With health and fitness trends constantly changing, so are the trends in supplementation and nutrition. A health and wellness personal coach or Sports Nutritionist has knowledge in both fitness and nutrition and can help you sort out general questions about supplements and their health benefits. The best way to avoid any risks or issues is by always consulting your doctor before you begin taking supplements.
One of the points to remember when looking at supplements is that the new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nutrition label does not cover supplements. Supplements are not regulated so you need to take personal responsibility when reading the labels and take the initiative to seek help from your doctor or certified Sports Nutritionist before trying to self-diagnose with supplementation.
One of the newer supplements for 2019 is the use of CBD oils. These can come in the forms of soft gels, gummies, or even liquid. They have been hailed for their natural anti-inflammatory properties to help athletes recover from soreness faster without having to rely on other pain-relieving medications. They have also been popular for helping people to relax and have higher quality of sleep, giving them a more restful night. Since everyone is different, they may or may not work for you. Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding these to your diet.
Testosterone boosters are also popular supplements for 2019. These supplements claim to boost the levels of testosterone in the body, helping you to lean out and build muscle. If you have been to a doctor to have your testosterone levels checked and have found out that your levels are low, you could possibly benefit from taking testosterone supplements (only with doctor approval). Often in these cases, the doctor will prescribe you testosterone. A doctor’s prescription is always best because the dosage has been prescribed specifically for you based on your blood work results. A doctor will also order blood work every four to six-months to test and monitor these levels for you to make sure you are within a healthy range. When you take an over-the- counter option, it is not regulated by the FDA and it’s difficult to know what your starting baseline is or what your range is while you are using a supplement. If you have testosterone levels that are too high or too low, it can cause health problems with undesirable side effects. Always talk to your doctor or primary care provider if you have any questions about taking dietary supplements.
Fat burners and pre-workout energy drinks are also popular supplements. Supplements can be great if you have a deficiency in any area, but do not try to self-diagnose or treat yourself. Some over-the- counter options could have a negative effect when mixed with other prescription drugs. Again, it’s always best to see your doctor or primary care provider before deciding to add dietary supplements to your diet.
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