Dr. Kristi Wrighston wrote an article in the latest edition of ProHealth’s magazine on guidelines for taking supplements. We often adhere to strict guidelines when taking prescription medications, but some don’t realize that taking supplements incorrectly can be dangerous as well.
There are times when we just can’t get all of the nutrients our bodies need through food. With aging and illnesses or other environmental situations, we are often in need of supplements to meet daily nutritional requirements.
According to Dr. Wrightson, it has been shown that regular doses of supplements or nutrients can hep to prevent and/or reduce symptoms of various conditions. Overloading our bodies with too many substances may not be beneficial, though.
Dr. Wrightson writes:
“Typically, taking recommended doses of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals should not have an adverse effect on the kidney or liver. These nutrients occur naturally in foods and our organs are very adept at processing them for use in the body. However, taking very high doses of some supplements can cause an unnecessary load on the organs, as they work to filter and use them in the body. There are also some specific supplements that may be more difficult for the organs to metabolize.”
Because of this, Dr. Wrightson recommends that anyone starting a new regimen of supplements, especially at higher doses, should consult their physician to make sure what they are taking is appropriate for their condition and won’t interfere with the effectiveness of any prescription medications.
For someone who has advanced liver or kidney disease, the body is working hard to keep up with the normally simple acts of daily life. In these instances, it may be smart to only take supplements or meds absolutely necessary for that specific condition so that the liver and kidneys are not over-taxed. Again, always consult a physician first and never make this decision on your own.
Compared to prescription medications, supplements are often less likely to be harmful to the body’s organs. Thanks to continued research, there is gaining support on the use of supplements for good health.
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