Embarking on a journey to better health starts with ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs. While vitamins and supplements are readily available at your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, the foundation of a healthy lifestyle begins with a well-balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods. By prioritizing food sources for your vitamins, you align with your body's natural processes to maintain optimal health. Supplements can then fill in any nutritional gaps, enhancing your overall well-being.
Start With Your Diet
When it comes to giving your body all of the nutrients it needs, you will find all sorts of vitamins and other supplements available at your local pharmacy in Powell, TN. However, the best place to start is to choose a healthy, well-balanced diet that contains a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Getting vitamins from your food is one of the best ways to make sure your body has everything it needs to stay healthy after all; that's what your body is designed to do! You can then look at supplementing your diet with over-the-counter vitamins to fill in the gaps you can't manage to fill through food choices alone.
Get The Timing Right
If you are taking vitamins and other supplements, you can take them at whatever time you choose. First thing in the morning is a popular choice for many people, especially if they are taking other medications regularly. However, there are certain times when taking your vitamins is more effective. For example, your body will absorb vitamins much better when they are taken with food, so you should plan your next dose in line with a snack or meal. This can also help you to avoid undesirable side effects like an upset stomach that can happen when you take supplements on an empty stomach. While taking your vitamins with food can make them more effective, it doesn't matter which meal you choose to take them with!
Let's Talk About Iron
While most supplements should be taken alongside food, if you have purchased an iron supplement from your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, it is best to take it on an empty stomach either with water or a glass of citrus juice as this will help your body to absorb it much more effectively—iron and Vitamin C work great as a tag team. If taking an iron supplement on an empty stomach makes you feel nauseous, you can take it with a meal or snack but try to avoid taking it alongside calcium-rich foods.
Planning Your Prenatal Vitamins
If you are currently pregnant, taking the right prenatal vitamins are important for the baby's health and wellbeing. Folic Acid and Iron are particularly important. However, it is worth noting that some prenatal vitamin blends are known to make nausea worse if you are suffering from morning sickness. This is due to the iron content. If you do struggle with these symptoms, try taking your prenatal vitamins with a light snack just before you go to bed. You can talk to your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, about finding the best prenatal vitamins to suit your needs.
Taking Supplements With Prescription Medications
It is important to note that some supplements may interfere with prescription medications. For example, if you are taking warfarin or other blood thinners, you need to avoid excess Vitamin K as this reduces the effectiveness of the medication. Similarly, if you take medication for your thyroid, you must leave a window of 4 hours before taking calcium, magnesium, or iron, as it will reduce the strength of your medication. It is important to discuss with a health professional which supplements are safe for use alongside your prescription medications. Your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, can also offer advice.
Look For Quality Verification
Supplements are not currently regulated by the FDA. That's why it is important to look for trusted brands that have been quality-checked. Choose products that have been verified by either the US Pharmacopeia, Consumer Lab, or NSF International, as these are the three companies that test supplements in the United States to verify that what is on the label matches the supplement's content.
Does Everyone Need Supplements?
There is a common belief that taking supplements, especially multivitamins is good for your health. However, if you are taking a supplement that your body already has in a sufficient amount, it will simply be expelled as a waste product. Instead of opting for a generic multivitamin supplement, it is more effective to have blood tests done to determine what you are deficient in and create your own personalized supplement regimen. It is also important to take things like your age, gender, and lifestyle into consideration. For example, older people need more calcium, vitamin D, and B12; men don't need as much iron as women. Ask your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, to help you choose the appropriate supplements to meet your needs.
If achieving your optimal health is your goal, you will need a combination of a balanced diet and the appropriate vitamins and supplements. Understanding the best times to take your vitamins, the specific needs during pregnancy, the interactions with prescription medications, and the importance of choosing quality-verified supplements are all crucial steps. Remember, not everyone needs the same supplements, and it's essential to tailor your intake based on individual needs, possibly with the guidance of a healthcare professional or your local pharmacy in Powell, TN. By integrating these practices, you can ensure your body receives the support it needs for a healthier, more vibrant life.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581