Navigating the fitness landscape can be challenging, especially with the allure of quick fixes in the form of dietary and fitness supplements. You might have heard about the potential benefits of using fitness supplements to enhance your workouts and even increase energy. However, you should be aware of the potential dangers linked to unregulated fitness supplements.
Safety Concerns
Many fitness supplements on the market today don’t undergo stringent testing or regulation. The concerning trend is that a significant number of fitness supplements available for purchase have not been evaluated by health authorities, leaving room for harmful ingredients to creep into the mix. So, while you might believe you’re consuming a supplement to boost your protein levels, for example, you might also be ingesting harmful or banned substances unknowingly.
Hidden Dangers
In a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, although competitive athletes are closely monitored for substances, they, as well as others who are trying to stay in top physical shape, often “turn to supplements hoping to find herbs, vitamins or minerals that provide the desired competitive edge.” The American Medical Association (AMA) contends that these supplements can be confusing for consumers because they lack transparency as these supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety and efficacy.
Ingredients Are Not Clear
Problem is there can be as many as 50,000 to 80,000 supplements in the market that aren’t being examined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA does look at some dietary supplements, but they are regulated as food, not drugs. The FDA says, “Many dietary supplements contain ingredients that have strong biological effects, which may conflict with a medicine you are taking or a medical condition you may have. Products containing hidden drugs are also sometimes falsely marketed as dietary supplements, putting consumers at even greater risk.” It’s best to seek the advice of a healthcare provider before using any fitness or dietary supplements.
The bottom line is these unregulated supplements could cause adverse health effects and put you in jeopardy if you’re using banned substances or performance -enhancing drugs unknowingly.
Effective Alternatives to Consider
There are other safe and effective alternatives to consider, like enjoying natural nutrition and focusing on getting your nutrients from whole foods. Foods like lean meats, fish, dairy, legumes, fruits, and vegetables provide a plethora of nutrients, including proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike many supplements, they’re free from harmful additives and are a foundational aspect of a healthy diet.
We can help guide you on your path to good nutrition and better health at Any Lab Test Now.® We are a lab testing resource at your disposal designed to help with your health and wellness goals.
For example, we offer lab tests like our HEALTHY WEIGHT DNA TEST, which is a scientifically-based weight-management test and program that identifies your unique genetic makeup and provides diet and exercise strategies specifically tailored to your genotype.
Within a few weeks of taking the test, you receive personalized nutrition and fitness recommendations that work best for your body. This test will not be a “one-size fits all” type of test; instead, our lab examines your DNA and analyzes various genetic markers that are known to be associated with your weight, metabolism, and body type.
Using this information, you can receive a personalized report with specific recommendations based on the results of your genetic test. This report provides the essential information you need from your DNA to tailor a weight-loss program that can achieve real results. Unlike diet books and pre-packaged meal plans, the fitness program created by the results of DNA testing can offer customized solutions to help you realize a healthy weight since it’s based on your unique genetic information.
Your results will provide personalized recommendations for:
- Foods to eat — the best foods to meet your caloric needs.
- Nutrients — Optimal nutrient needs and most effective supplements.
- Best exercises — Ideal workouts to achieve and maintain your healthiest weight.
You may also want to consider our WEIGHT MANAGEMENT KIT, which that looks at possible undetected hormone imbalances that might be the missing link as to why achieving and maintaining your optimal weight has been unsuccessful, despite your best efforts with diet and exercise.
The Weight Management kit is ideal for women and men who are struggling with weight issues, menopause or andropause, and anyone wanting to get to the root of general health concerns.
The Weight Management Take Home Hormone Kit consists of a dried blood spot test and a saliva test. The test measures bioavailable hormone levels for those with unexplained weight gain, obesity, abdominal fat, high BMI, and low metabolism.
This kit is available in-store or for purchase online.
Any Lab Test Now® is Your Partner in Health
We want to help you achieve your optimal health and fitness goals, which is why Any Lab Test Now® provides several tests to help meet your goals. We provide the lab testing; you own the results and can use them as you choose.
Our service is about providing answers and alternatives. Any Lab Test Now®is a lab testing center providing tangible results. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.
