How To Choose the Right Supplements for Your Needs

Supplements are an easy way to add nutrients or a bunch of other compounds into your body. From individual minerals and vitamins all the way to a blend of herbs and nutrients, there are so many products out there to try.

However, it’s not always clear which supplements will work best for your needs --or whether you truly need to supplement your diet or not in the first place!

If the time comes to choose a specific type of supplement, you must consider a couple of major things. We’ve included these in this easy-to-follow guide.

Who Needs Supplements?

People of all ages and from all walks of life can take (and benefit from) supplements every now and then. Yet some groups of people are often seen taking supplements more than others. This includes the following:

• Pregnant women
• Older individuals 
• Fitness and sports nutrition enthusiasts
• Those with specific allergies

How To Choose the Right Supplements

There are a few key things you must do to choose the right kind of supplements. If you’re unsure of where to begin, don’t worry! We’ve included some steps for you to follow below.

Read the Ingredients Label

Like any other product you take, checking the ingredients label is crucial when taking any form of supplement. If your chosen supplements feature ingredients that you do not know or understand, do some research to figure out what their function or purpose is.

If you’re eyeing up a specific supplement that promises to build some muscle or burn fat, like Dr. Gundry MCT Wellness, it can sometimes be too good to be true. This is when it becomes crucial for you to do some additional research to determine whether the supplements are right for you.

If you have an existing allergy, reading the label can (literally) be the difference between life and death. Ensure you are thorough so that you do not put yourself in unnecessary danger.

Consider Your Age

Different people require different supplements to provide them with the necessary nutrients. The first step is understanding whether a supplement is the right course of action.

Children

Multivitamins are not a necessary part of life for healthy children experiencing “normal” growth. Instead, the foods they eat are often the most significant source of nutrients.

Making sure that children of all ages eat well-balanced meals and snacks regularly is crucial to ensuring they do not have any nutritional deficiencies and do not need to start taking supplements.

Young Adults

Incorporating MCT oil into your diet can provide a fast-absorbing energy source and may support certain aspects of health, such as brain function, metabolism, and gut health. However, its benefits depend on overall diet and lifestyle, and excessive intake may cause digestive discomfort or contribute to excess calorie consumption.

If this is the case, make sure to consult a doctor before you begin taking any supplements.

Adults 50+ 

People who fall into this category might need more vitamins and minerals than younger adults. This is because the need for such nutrients typically increases as the body ages. For example, supplements that provide a comprehensive range of nutrients, such as the Super Greens powder by Clinical Effects, can be beneficial for maintaining overall health and vitality. These types of supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and support daily wellness.

This might include supplements for the following things:

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12 
• Calcium

Adults Aged 75+

If you reach the age of 75 or above, you will likely need to have a higher level of certain minerals and vitamins to even carry out the most basic of everyday tasks. 

It is also often impossible to reach these needs through diet alone, especially if your appetite begins to dwindle (as it often does during the aging process). Therefore, a doctor may recommend supplements to help you along the way. 

Think About the Long-Term Cost of the Supplements

Indeed, supplements can sometimes be pretty expensive. If you’re someone who requires supplements, it’s best to shop around to see if there is a price that best suits your current financial situation. This should be a sum you can easily afford in the long term.

Remember: supplements are only worth the investment if you remember to take them each day! These are a few steps you can follow in choosing the right supplements. Provided you research and ensure that the supplements you’re planning to take will positively impact your well-being, you’re on the right track! People over 50 may need more vitamins and minerals than younger adults. Your doctor or a dietitian can tell you whether you need to change your diet or take a vitamin or mineral supplement.

Plan for Longevity

The fact is, as we age, our bodies change. Many of us will endure chronic health problems, mobility problems, dementia, and even frailty due to aging. No matter how proactive with our health we might be, aging happens, and the consequences impact our families and finances. When you prepare ahead of time, you remain in control instead of forcing your family to make decisions on your behalf. This is where Long-Term Care Insurance comes into the picture. When you own an LTC policy, you will have access to the guaranteed tax-free benefits to pay for your choice of quality care services, including in-home care.

Not only will you safeguard your 401(k) and other savings you will also give time for your loved ones to be family instead of becoming caregivers. However, you need to start planning before your health starts to decline since Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten.

What is Underwriting? How Does Current Health Impact Ability to Obtain Long-Term Care Insurance?

Seek Professional Assistance

Long-Term Care Insurance can be complicated. There are several insurance companies, different plans, underwriting differences, and pricing can vary over 100% between insurance companies. 

Getting help from an experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who works with the top insurance companies will help you navigate these differences. They can ensure you are matched with the best coverage at the best value. Financial advisors and general insurance agents usually have little experience in this area and often only work with one insurance company. Long-Term Care Insurance Specialists vs. Financial Advisors and General Insurance Agents (Pros & Cons).

Many people find LTC Insurance affordable, especially if they are in good health. Most people obtain coverage in their 50s to take advance of lower premiums along with better health. Long-Term Care Insurance is also custom designed. 

How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost?

Have Questions About Long-Term Care Planning?

LTC NEWS has many tools and resources that can help you in your research as you prepare for your future retirement and plan for the costs and burdens that come with aging and declining health.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator
• Long-Term Care Glossary
• Long-Term Care Guides

Loved Ones Need Help Now?

You are a Few Clicks Away from Finding Quality LTC Services for Mom or Dad

Your parents deserve quality long-term care options so they can maintain a better quality of life. Searching for long-term care services has never been easier when you start your search with the LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory. 

The LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory has the country's largest database of caregivers, senior communities, and long-term care facilities. It has over 80,000 listings, and it grows daily.

Whether you're searching for caregivers or facilities nearby or where you love done lives, this free and comprehensive directory makes it effortless to explore qualifications and choices. With a few clicks, you can narrow down the options for your loved one.

If you're a care provider, you can claim your free listing or upgrade to enhance visibility through the LTC News Directory Business Portal.  

If your loved one has an LTC policy, be sure you have them use the benefits right away. LTC NEWS offers free help processing claims from any Long-Term Care Insurance policy. Partnering with Amada Senior Care, a renowned in-home healthcare agency, LTC NEWS ensures that you and your loved ones receive top-notch care without worrying about securing policy benefits. There is no cost or obligation for this service.

Experience peace of mind knowing you can access quality care services when you need them most - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.