Supplements 101: The Price of Powders and Pills Can Add Up

There it is again:�that cupful of pills on the counter just waiting for you.�How many pills do you think are in that cup? How much do you estimate you've spent on all those supplements -- and are you even getting results?

Supplements manufacturers hope that you aren't and that you'll spend just a few more dollars on additional supplements to keep yourself healthy.�In the meantime, you just spent a fortune in the vitamin aisle.�

Let's help you stay healthy without going broke by examining truths about nonfood-based nutrition.

1. Know your needs.�Studies show that if you don't actually have a vitamin deficiency, you might be wasting your time and money taking supplements.�Ask your doctor to run tests that will reveal your exact nutritional needs before giving up money and counter space to a slew of vitamin bottles.�(I saved money when a doctor friend told me to stop taking Vitamin D and just go for regular walks in the sun.)�
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2. Do your homework.�The FDA regulates the nutritional supplement industry, but it does not test the safety of pills and vitamins before they hit the shelves.�That's up to the manufacturers, which stop short of ensuring quality.�Spend a few minutes online reading up on the brands you buy to see if they have a good reputation for quality.�Also, consider where you and your favorite retailer store these vitamins -�they require cool storage or risk losing potency.
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3. Don't take wooden nickels. A lot of workout supplements on the market tout helping you build muscle fast. These products don't work like steroids, and they aren't even FDA approved. Bottom line: Pills don't work. Training hard and eating right does. You will always find companies looking to make money off your desire to look like Zac Efron by selling you "magic pills" for a perfect body. Don't buy that banana oil. Do the work yourself.

4. Find what works for you. Your best friend might be getting jacked using a post-workout protein drink, but not everyone experiences the same result from workouts and nutrition. Consider who you are and what works for you, and then try on various supplement drinks for size. Investigate the many types of protein powder available. For example, you can get plant-based protein powders if you're vegan, and whey-free products are ideal if you're lactose intolerant.

5. Make friends with bacteria. Most of us don't eat properly, and we don't take care of our digestion. The digestive system needs its flora and fauna, and putting probiotics in your system can help keep these living bacteria doing their job so that we can continue doing ours. Ask an expert at your health food store to advise you on which refrigerated probiotics are the best. When you find one that works for you, use it regularly.