How & When To Take Food Supplements

If you’re all about supplements and giving your body some special treatment, then this blog post is just for you. There are so many different food supplements out there, but did you know that you should also pay attention to how and when you take them? This is what we’ll talk about today so let’s dig in!

About Food Supplements

Supplements are not meant to replace a healthy lifestyle, but rather designed to provide additional support to your health. Especially if you’re very active or if you don’t get all the nutrients you need from your diet. 

First and foremost, you should make sure that you’re eating fruit and veggies, high quality proteins (lean meats or plant based options like tofu or beans), whole grains and of course fats like olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds daily. Ideal way would be to switch up the ingredients you use – cooking with different kinds of proteins, vegetables and fruit every day to get a wide range of different nutrients from your food. 

However, as much as we love to say that you should constantly eat healthy, the reality is that all of us struggle with our diet choices from time to time. If we keep our bodies deprived of nutrients for too long, it’s time to look at what supplements could help deal with these issues. And even if you do eat healthy, your body might still use some extra boost due to stress, busy work or school schedules, family life or if you travel or exercise a lot. 

Of course, strictly following the instructions on any supplement bottle you consume is the number one rule. Unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. Also, we always recommend discussing a new supplement with your doctor first, especially if you have any known medical conditions and if at the same time you take any medications. 

Let’s now look at different types of supplements and how these can or should be taken for best results. 

Vitamins & Minerals

If you’re eating a good amount of fruit and veggies, you probably already get a decent amount of nutrients that your body needs. However, you might need to consume extra vitamins and minerals due to various reasons. 

how to take food supplementsBiotin

Biotin is a water soluble B-vitamin (vitamin B7) that’s necessary for cell growth, the production of fatty acids and the metabolism of fats and amino acids. It’s great for hair, nails, skin, but also promotes healthy blood sugar levels. As Biotin is a water soluble vitamin, it’s best taken with water and/or with meals that contain lots of water like veggies and fruit. You can also take it with water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning for an additional energy boost.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are charged nutrients in your body that are crucial for a wide range of bodily functions. It’s recommended to take additional electrolytes after exercise, illnesses, during that time of the month for women, traveling, drinking alcohol and sweating – anything that makes your body get rid of water and electrolytes. 

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium Glycinate is great for relaxing the mind and body as it helps with muscle cramps and also supports the mood. It’s best taken with meals to avoid diarrhea; which magnesium is known to sometimes cause. For a good night’s sleep, take Magnesium Glycinate with your last meal of the day as it can make you a bit sleepy

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that our bodies need. It plays a key role in metabolism and other physiological functions. Selenium is best taken with a meal. Please keep in mind that with Selenium it is crucial that you do not exceed the recommended dose stated on the bottle, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

If you use any medications, discuss supplementing with Selenium with your doctor first as they may interfere with each other. Keep in mind that trace minerals interact with each other, so taking them separately would be a good idea.

Calcium D-Glucarate

Calcium D-Glucarate is technically not a vitamin or mineral, but a calcium salt made by combining calcium and glucaric acid. It’s used to help remove waste, toxins and excess hormones from your body. Take Calcium D-Glucarate with meals for the best results.

However, taking it with other medications could potentially increase the elimination of some drugs from your body as well as reduce the effectiveness of them. 

Herbal Supplements & Antioxidants

Herbal and antioxidant supplements are a great way to naturally boost your health and well being. Let’s look at how you should take them for the maximum benefits. 

when to take natural food supplementsBerberine

Berberine is an alkaloid compound that activates an enzyme called AMPK, which is also considered as the ‘metabolic master switch’. Berberine helps balance blood sugar levels, so it is important to be cautious when also using insulin or other medications that control blood sugar. Berberine is best taken with a meal or shortly after eating, so it can take care of the blood glucose and lipid spike, which happens after you eat.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme that’s extremely beneficial to reduce inflammation and pain, support digestive health, promote nutrient absorption and faster recovery. Take Bromelain with meals when you use it for digestive issues. For other issues, take the supplement on an empty stomach or in between your meals.

Citrus Bergamot

Citrus Bergamot has been clinically shown to support heart health by promoting healthy cholesterol, blood sugar and triglyceride levels and supporting blood vessel function. For the best results, take it 30 minutes before a meal.

If you are also using any medications that lower blood sugar or blood pressure, ask your doctor about the interactions of Citrus Bergamot and the medications.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that your body cells use to produce energy your body needs for cell growth and maintenance. For maximum absorption, take it with a fat containing meal. You can also take it with healthy fat supplements like Pumpkin Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil or MCT Oil.

Green Coffee Bean Extract

Green Coffee Bean Extract is high in chlorogenic that slows the absorption of fat from food intake and also helps activate the metabolism of extra fat. To experience the best results, take it 30 minutes before a meal with an 8 oz. glass of water, twice daily.

If you are taking any blood sugar controlling drugs as well, please consult with your healthcare professional on how to take our Green Coffee Bean Extract supplement.

Holy Basil Leaf

Holy Basil aka Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body to adapt to physical and mental stress. This supplement is best taken with a fat containing meal or with one of our healthy fat supplements, because it contains a fat soluble vitamin K. 

Lycopene

Lycopene has antioxidant properties that protect your cells from free radicals that are known to damage your DNA and make you age quicker. Lycopene, again, is a fat soluble nutrient that’s best taken with a fat containing meal and/or with one of our healthy fats.

For the men who struggle with prostate issues, taking Lycopene together with Pumpkin Seed Oil is a necessity. If you’re taking medications for lowering your cholesterol levels, please keep in mind that these medications may decrease the absorption of Lycopene in your body.

Olive Leaf Extract

Thanks to the antioxidant properties, Olive Leaf Extract helps to protect cells from oxidative damage and keep you healthy. It is best taken with meals. Consult with your doctor about supplementing with Olive Leaf Extract if you also take medications for diabetes or high blood pressure.

Organic Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon Cinnamon is a great natural blood sugar stabilizer, but also helps reduce inflammation in your body. For maximum results, take it half an hour before your meal with an 8 oz. glass of water.

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium Husk is widely known for its ability to improve digestion as it helps keep you regular. It is best taken before meals with at least one 8 oz. glass of water – this will also help you make you feel satisfied quicker, so you won’t eat too much.

Consuming this supplement without enough liquid may cause choking or cause uncomfortable side effects like bloating, constipation or headache. It’s also crucial to drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day if you take Psyllium Husk. 

Keep in mind that Psyllium Husk may interfere or reduce the effect of other supplements, medications or prescription drugs. We recommend taking Psyllium Husk 2 hours before or after your other medications.

Intestinal Cleanse, Lung Support and Kidney Cleanse supplements should all be taken by the recommendations stated on the supplement bottles.

Healthy Fats 

Healthy fats or oil supplements are an amazing way to consume extra fatty acids that are nutrient rich and provide additional support for your health. Let’s look at some of the healthy fats and how you can benefit the most from them. 

Black Currant Oil

Black Currant Oil is one of the richest sources of gamma linolenic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid, which plays a key role in regulating our hormones and is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. This supplement is best taken with a meal.

However, blackcurrants may slow blood clotting, so if you have issues or concerns on this matter, please consult with your doctor before taking Black Currant Oil

mct oil softgel capsulesMCT Oil

MCT stands for Medium Chain Triglycerides that are naturally found in coconut oil. MCT’s are much more easily and rapidly digested by your body than any other type of fat and thus offer you immediate energy and fuel. For this purpose, take MCT Oil capsules first thing in the morning (you can take it with your morning coffee for an extra kick!) or 30-60 minutes before your workouts.

PS! Start slow and build up your daily dosage as your body might not be used to metabolizing MCT-s. Otherwise, you may experience some side effects like bloating, gas or other digestive issues. 

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin Seed Oil is the holy grail of supplements that support the prostate naturally. It’s full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that have tons of benefits for your body. Like most fatty acid supplements, Pumpkin Seed Oil is also best taken with meals for maximum absorption.

Because of its antioxidant properties, Pumpkin Seed Oil may lower your blood pressure. If you’re taking any hypertension medications, make sure to discuss the use of this supplement with your doctor first. 

Borage Oil

Borage Oil is another supplement that contains tons of GLA (gamma linolenic acid). Our Borage Oil is completely hepatotoxic PA-free, so it is safe to consume on a regular basis. We recommend you take this supplement with meals, because it may irritate the stomach.

Furthemore, Borage Oil may interact with medications that are used during surgery, so about two weeks before surgery it is wise to stop supplementing with Borage Oil

Organic Coconut Oil

And last but not least, Organic Coconut Oil is made up of lauric acid and other MCT-s, which provide support for your immune system and promote digestion. You can take Coconut Oil first thing in the morning for quick energy, or 20-30 minutes before your meals to feel full quicker and avoid overeating. 

In conclusion, there are so many great supplements that you can take to support your health naturally. However, it is so important to do a little bit of research before you start supplementing with anything. Especially if you have any known medical conditions or are currently taking any medications or prescription drugs. Your health is your greatest wealth, so make sure you won’t do more harm to your body than good.

You can shop all of our natural food supplements from HERE

What are your favorite supplements? Let us know in the comments! 

2 Comments

  1. Lenny Mzhen

    Greetings. I just purchased NutriONN’s Pumpkin Seed Oil (softgels). According to the description you provide, PSO is a great source of Magnesium, Zinc nad Fatty Acids. Could you please provide %DV for each.
    Thank you in advance!
    L.M.

    Reply
    • Laura-Johanna

      Hi Lenny!

      We are very glad to hear you’ve purchased our Pumpkin Seed Oil and we hope you’ll enjoy using it!

      We don’t measure the magnesium, zinc or fatty acid content for each batch, as the pumpkin seed oil comes from plants and can vary a bit in different batches. However, the fatty acid profile is usually around 90%. Typically, about 40% is linoleic acid and around 18% oleic acid. Hope this helps!

      Best wishes,
      Laura
      NutriONN

      Reply

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