As any health-conscious person knows, supplements can play a big role in maintaining optimal health. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know when to take them. Keep reading for a helpful guide on when to take different supplements.
The Importance of Taking Nutritional Supplements at the Right Time
The body is a complex machine that relies on many different systems working together in order to function properly. When one system is out of balance, it can affect other areas of the body. This is why it is so important to take nutritional supplements at the right time—when they will be most effective. For example, some vitamins and minerals are better absorbed when taken with food.
Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K are best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains some fat. Detox pills are supplements that are designed to help the body detoxify and remove toxins. And there are many different types of pills available that come in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. Some pills are specifically formulated to target certain organs or systems in the body, while others are designed to support general detoxification.
Generally speaking, it is best to take most supplements early in the morning before breakfast. This allows them enough time to be absorbed by the body before any other foods or beverages are consumed. Detox medications that target specific organs or systems should be taken at a different time than general detox supplements. For example, liver detox supplements should be taken with lunch or dinner instead of before breakfast.
Making the Routine Easy
You also want to consider how to store your supplements properly. If they are not stored correctly, this can easily affect the actual product and its efficacy. That’s why some packaging on a product might mention storing it in a “cool, dry place.” Plastic containers with flip lids are a great way to store supplements. They protect the contents from light and air, which can degrade the capsules or pills over time. The flip lid also prevents spills and makes it easy to get just the right amount out of the container.
How to Determine the Best Time to Take Supplements
The best time to take different vitamins depends on the individual vitamin, when you last ate, and what type it is. Some general rules of thumb include taking multivitamins with food, taking minerals and other water-soluble vitamins with water, as well as taking fat-soluble vitamins with a meal that includes some healthy fats.
Multivitamins should generally be taken with food in order to increase absorption. However, if you are taking a chewable or liquid multivitamin, it can be taken on an empty stomach. Minerals and other water-soluble vitamins are best taken with water in order to improve absorption. However, if you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, these vitamins can be taken without water.
Fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K) need healthy fats in order to be absorbed properly into the body. For this reason, they should usually be taken with a meal that includes some healthy fats like olive oil or avocado. Calcium supplements are best taken at night since they can help you sleep better. Fish oil should be taken with food to minimize any potential gastrointestinal issues. Iron should also be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach, to ensure that they are fully absorbed by the body.
As you can see, there is no “one size fits all” answer to the question of the best time to take a supplement. It entirely depends on the type.
