What are supplements? How to use it safely?

This is an automatically translated article.

Tonic is a form of functional food that provides nutrients that the body lacks. The most common forms of tonics are vitamins and mineral elements. In addition, tonics are divided into several groups to facilitate the use and purposes of each individual.

1. Groups of tonics

To make it easier to choose, tonics are divided into several groups with separate functions such as vitamins, drugs that reduce oxidation, and anti-osteoporosis drugs.
1.1 Anti-Oxidant The anti-oxidant effect is the point that many users notice the most. When using this tonic, the lifespan of the cell groups in the body will be increased. Thanks to that, we also improve the quality of health.
Slowing down or stopping the oxidation process will help the body repel many dangerous diseases such as: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diseases caused by infections, impaired vision... In addition, the The formation of carcinogenic free radicals is also significantly limited.
1.2 Multivitamin supplements Vitamin is a substance that accounts for a small amount but has a significant effect on the body. Some of the essential vitamins that cannot be ignored are vitamins B, C, D, E, and PP.
Vitamin supplements are more commonly used than all because most of our bodies lack these substances. Especially those who have just woken up sick or have to work a lot. Vitamins will help provide nutrients for the body to avoid depression and improve health to be able to work and study effectively.
Each group of vitamins will have a specific function, for example, vitamin B1 is used to stimulate appetite. Other groups of vitamins are also good for health, but these multivitamins should not be given indiscriminately. To ensure its use and safety, you should see your doctor to determine the exact dose your body needs.
1.3 Mineral supplements Calcium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, iron... are indispensable mineral elements. They help balance the environment for the body. This is a condition that helps the metabolism to take place faster and more efficiently.
Like vitamins, the amount used for this substance is usually quite small. And if unfortunately users do not know how to use it, leading to an overdose, it will be harmful to health.
Especially vitamin C with health-promoting effects is recommended to use. This is not only a vitamin but also carries the mission of antioxidants. However, the dose should not be too high to avoid stomach ulcers or stone formation..

1.4 Amino Acids The chain structure of amino acids in the body was found to have 20 distinct groups. These substances play a significant role in the metabolism and absorption of nutrients from food into the body.
When the body is deficient in the amount of amino acids it needs, it will lead to the risk of fatigue. Even the ability to absorb nutrients is greatly reduced leading to weakness or malabsorption. Besides, amino acids cannot be used arbitrarily, you should only take them when your doctor asks you to supplement.
1.5 Medicines for bones and joints Drugs to reduce osteoporosis are a combination of calcium and vitamin D elements. When using, you will be fully supplemented with nutrients to fill the skeleton to help keep bones strong and ensure all activities. However, if you take too much of this medicine than the prescribed dose, this medicine will seriously affect your health. Especially if you take too much, you will have the potential to increase blood calcium. It even calcifies soft tissues, bones and cartilage, eventually causing kidney failure.

2. Notes when using supplements to pay attention to

What is tonic? This is a nutritional supplement that is deficient or poorly tolerated by the body. Therefore, if the body achieves the standard indicators, you should not take supplements to avoid leading to excess.
Not all tonics are good for health. In case the user is allergic to the ingredients of the drug, it can lead to unintended dangers. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor to ensure safety.
Who should be taking supplements? Supplements can be used at any age depending on the condition or need. Especially young children with incomplete digestive systems or problems with absorption should be considered. Because the child's body is weak, parents should only take supplements as prescribed by the doctor. Especially not overdoing, increasing the dose to high will greatly affect the health and long-term development of children.
The duration of tonic use should not be prolonged and should be appropriately limited. It is not because of supplements that we are using them for the wrong purpose. Only use supplements to provide the body with missing nutrients. The abuse of tonics will push the body into a passive state that makes us dependent and unable to leave them.
Only in special cases required by the doctor, such as taking medicine to prevent the re-emergence after removing cancer cells or diseases that are difficult to cure completely, should long-term tonics be used.
The price of the drug does not determine the quality of the drug. Thinking that high-quality, high-priced drugs are equally as wrong is a mistake. Therefore, you need to understand about the drug and choose a reputable brand.
Supplements are now widely sold, so it is difficult to avoid counterfeit goods. However, you need to pay attention to the label as well as the composition to make the best choice.
In some cases the doctor will order periodic blood tests. This will control the potency of the tonic being used. At the same time, blood tests also help doctors detect potential diseases.

3. What time of day is it appropriate to use tonics?

How to use as well as when to use has a great influence on the effectiveness of treatment as well as the use of the drug. Here are some times and which drugs are appropriate for each use.
3.1 Medicines that should be used in the morning Morning is the time when the body is purified, so it will be easier to absorb nutrients. At the same time, tonics can also be considered as a reminder to limit skipping breakfast.

3.1.1 Before eating Iron is considered to be more easily absorbed on an empty stomach because it has good reactivity if it is in an acidic environment. However, taking iron on an empty stomach will make the body uncomfortable, so you can eat it lightly to avoid feeling nauseous. Calcium and some other drugs cannot be combined with iron because they limit the ability of each other, so you need to consult your doctor and divide the time appropriately for maximum absorption.
For people with high blood pressure, it is impossible to skip antihypertensive drugs in the morning. Especially after waking up, blood pressure almost reached a high value, so this time is suitable for stabilizing with drugs. In addition, drugs for thyroid disease, stomach disease or anti-osteoporosis are also recommended to be used in the morning.
3.1.2 After eating After breakfast, you can take multivitamins, probiotics, anti-allergic drugs... Because these drugs create discomfort when hungry, they should be taken after meals. It will be more effective and safe for your health.
3.2 Medicines used after dinner Dinner is usually the main meal of Vietnamese people, which makes a large amount of nutrition absorbed into the body during this time. Because of that, cholesterol levels are at risk of high after eating dinner.
In addition, when we sleep, the metabolism that takes place also increases cholesterol. A dose of medication to stabilize cholesterol levels after dinner will help improve this condition and ensure better health.
3.3 Medications taken before bedtime There are many types of medications that are recommended before going to bed, especially the sedative group. Because these drugs help the body relax and easily fall into a deeper sleep state when it is difficult to fall asleep.
Supplements can be additional use or prescription, but each type has certain advantages and disadvantages. If you are not sure about the medicine you are taking or do not understand the needs of your body, ask a specialist for advice on how to use supplements properly and safely.

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