Eating For Health

Dietary supplements are part of daily life for most Americans. As noted last week, supplement use continues to rise. According to the CDC (2021–2023): 👶 35.7% of kids ages 0–19 used supplements 👩‍🦳 Over 60% of adults ages 20+ used supplements 💊 38.7% of adults took two or more supplements daily Supplements can be helpful — but taking too much of certain vitamins and minerals, including calcium, can lead to unwanted side effects. While most multivitamins contain calcium in safe amounts, problems often arise from high‑dose calcium supplements or combining multiple products that contain calcium. This raises important questions: 👉 How much calcium do you actually need? 👉 Why is food the best source? 👉 What happens when you get too much from supplements? Let’s break it down. 📏 How Much Calcium Do You Need? Your body needs calcium — but only in the right amounts . Recommended Daily Calcium Intake Adults 19–50: 1,000 mg/day Men ...

Dietary supplements are everywhere — lining grocery aisles, filling online carts, and showing up in daily routines. And many Americans are taking them. According to the CDC , between 2021–2023: 👶 35.7% of kids ages 0–19 used supplements 👩‍🦳 Over 60% of adults ages 20+ used supplements 💊 38.7% of adults took two or more supplements daily Most people reach for supplements to boost health — filling nutrient gaps, supporting gut health, or improving energy. But while supplements can be helpful, taking certain vitamins or minerals in excess can lead to serious side effects. This week, we’re focusing on one supplement that deserves some caution: Vitamin B6. 🧠 Why Vitamin B6 Matters B vitamins are essential for keeping your body running smoothly. There are eight of them, and together they help: Turn food into energy ⚡ Support healthy blood cell formation 🩸 Protect DNA from damage 🧬 Vitamin B6 , in particular, plays a majo...

Every day, we’re surrounded by ads promising “natural” cures and “ancient remedies.” Aloe vera for burns, turmeric for inflammation, chamomile for sleep — herbal supplements seem everywhere. According to the National Institutes of Health , Americans spend nearly $13 billion a year on natural supplements. Some are beneficial, but others can pose serious risks. Let’s explore what you need to know before adding herbs to your health routine. 🌱 What Are Herbal Supplements? According to the Cleveland Clinic , “Herbal supplements are products derived from plants, including their oils, roots, leaves, seeds, berries, or flowers.” They come in many forms: Capsules, powders, or teas (like turmeric or chamomile) Topical gels or creams (like aloe vera for sunburns) Herbal supplements can support wellness — but they’re not risk‑free. ⚕️ Why You Should Check with Your Healthcare Provider Before taking any herbal supplement, talk with your doctor or registered dietitia...