Your body is a complex system of interconnected parts. There are whole organ systems, individual organs, muscles, and other types of tissue. When broken down into its most basic unit, life is made up of trillions of cells. That means there are trillions of organisms in your body that require energy and food to perform their function. Everything from skin cells to muscle cells to brain cells combines to make the body that you have and allow it to survive. It goes without saying that taking care of your cellular health is important to invest in overall wellness.

You may not think of healthy behaviors like exercising as benefitting you on such a microscopic scale, but that is exactly what happens. When you engage in positive actions that promote cellular wellness, the whole body can feel the effects.

One of the most important things you can do for your cells is to feed them well. Each cell, no matter its purpose within your body, requires energy sources. These come in the form of nutrients. Vitamins and minerals that your body delivers to the cells are used to carry out many responsibilities.

What Are Supplements?

Supplements are a way for you to increase your nutrient intake without eating more food. The best source of the vitamins and minerals that your cells need to survive is a balanced diet. Fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, and dairy products can all provide the necessary nutrients to power each of your cells. But there are plenty of circumstances where elevating your nutrient levels further can be beneficial. Supplements allow you to do just that. They belong in a unique category because they are not technically food, nor are they considered drugs. Many people consume a multivitamin every day or take supplements for specific circumstances.

What Forms Can Supplements Take?

There are many types of supplements that you may find at the store or online. Pills and tablets are common forms that you can take and swallow whole to absorb more nutrients. There are also capsules that can dissolve right in your mouth. If you want to add supplements to a drink, there are powders, gels, and other mixers that you can use to consume throughout the course of a day. There are also supplement bar options if you are looking for a small snack that packs a powerful nutrient punch. Other supplements come in the form of pre-made drinks. As you can see, many convenient options can suit different lifestyles and tastes.

When to Take Supplements

There are multiple scenarios in which it makes sense to take supplements with your diet. First of all, they are perfect for supporting total body health with additional nutrients. It must be noted that supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet. Food is the best way to deliver key nutrients to your body’s cells, and no amount of supplements can replace that. Instead, Supplements should be added to an already healthy diet to nourish optimum cellular health.

Other good times to take supplements are before and after workouts. Pre-workout products inject you with energy-boosting stimulants like caffeine to prepare you for physical activity. Once the exercise is done, you can consume protein-based supplements to help with muscle growth, especially for weight-based activities.

In some cases, supplements can help people who are struggling to fall asleep. Anything that provides your body with melatonin, lavender, valerian, or tryptophan can make it a little easier for you to fall asleep.

At the end of the day, supplements can be a great method of self-care for stay-at-home moms, 9-5 workers, athletes, students, and everyone in between.

Pros and Cons

Before you start downing supplements to maximize your nutrient levels, you should know about the pros and cons. Supplements are a quick and convenient delivery system for vitamins and minerals, making the perfect support for a healthy diet. They can be taken whenever you wish and there are many options available so you can find some that work for you.

Some things to watch out for are using them as substitutes for a good diet and consuming too many supplements. Sometimes, the effects of too many supplements can cancel each other out, and in the worst cases, be dangerous for your body. Weigh the positives with the negatives before you start taking supplements.

Could Supplements Support Your Health?

If you are looking for a way to support your body’s cells with further nutrients, then supplements are the perfect solution. Whether you take them for specific circumstances or just to promote total body health, these products are a convenient way to provide more vitamins and minerals to your cells. If you want to know more about the benefits of supplements, consider talking with your doctor or a nutritionist to see if they could make a difference in your wellness plan.