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Last Updated on July 28, 2023
You may be consuming less of certain foods, especially while fasting. That’s why it’s normal to wonder if you have enough vitamins. Although fasting is a very effective way to detoxify the body, it’s wise to make sure you need or do not need the necessary supplements and multivitamins.
This article provides an overview of what you need to know about supplements while fasting. So if you’re interested in fasting but are unsure whether you need supplements, read on for some helpful advice.
What are supplements?
Supplements are an alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) method for improving health and well-being. They come in many forms, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids. While some supplements are taken orally, others are applied topically or injected.
They also serve various purposes. Some people take supplements to treat specific health conditions, while others use them to prevent disease or improve overall health.
Among the most popular supplements are vitamins C and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. Supplement use is widespread, with over half of adults in the United States taking at least one supplement daily.
However, supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, it is important to be careful when taking them, as some supplements can interact with medications or have other side effects.
What is detox?
You must have heard of “detoxing,” but you may not be entirely sure what it actually entails. In basic terms, detoxing means ridding the body of toxins that will negatively affect your health, such as synthetic chemicals and processed foods.
You can detox in a variety of ways, including by fasting, juice-cleansing, drinking a variety of teas, and taking certain supplements. Detoxing can have a number of benefits, such as improved digestion, more energy, and clearer skin.
Additionally, it is important to be sensible when detoxing and to avoid extreme methods that could do more harm than good. When done correctly, however, detoxing can be an excellent way to improve overall health and well-being.
What are multivitamins?
Multivitamins are dietary supplements containing multiple vitamins and minerals. They are typically taken in pill form to fill nutritional gaps or offset deficiencies. Multivitamins are also used to correct vitamin deficiencies that occur during pregnancy and malnutrition. When taken in moderation and used as part of a balanced diet, multivitamins can help ensure that your body gets the nutrients it needs to function optimally.
However, multivitamins should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet. Foods provide essential nutrients that cannot be found in pills and are also an abundant source of fiber, antioxidants, and other phytochemicals.
Do you really need them, and when is a good time?
You might be concerned about information pollution about them. You’re definitely right! Information on many websites may not be enough to encourage you to try these health-boosting methods. Learn more about them to determine whether you need them or should avoid them.
Do you need supplements?
According to the FDA, people should get most of their nutrients from food. However, some experts argue that even a well-balanced diet may not provide all the nutrients needed for optimal health.
For example:
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that pregnant women take a daily folate supplement to reduce the risk of birth defects.
- Similarly, older adults are often advised to take vitamin D supplements to improve bone health.
- People who have trouble absorbing nutrients from food, such as those with Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, may also need to take supplements.
In short, if your body is unable to obtain enough vitamins from the foods you consume, if you have a disease in this regard, or as a result of your age, you may require additional vitamins and minerals.
When do you need to detox?
Your body actually detoxifies naturally. However, if the organs responsible for the body’s natural detoxification, such as the liver or kidneys, don’t work properly, external support may be required. In addition to removing toxins, detox improves the circulatory system and supports healthy eating by encouraging mindful eating and resting the body during detox.
The signs that you need a detox include:
- Fatigue without any reason
- Lack of energy
- Weak immunity
- Poor gastrointestinal elimination
- Repeated infections
- Bloating
When should you take multivitamins?
Multivitamins only benefit people who need them for some reason. So the unnecessary use of vitamins can cause many negative consequences.
Well, who needs multivitamins?
- Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant
- Those with digestive difficulties,
- Those suffering from eating disorders,
- Elderly people,
- Fatigued ones. (Remember that fatigue can have many causes.)
As you can see, supplements, detoxes, and multivitamins are really effective and beneficial for some groups.
How do they work with intermittent fasting?
You may think that intermittent fasting prevents you from getting the proper nutrients and, therefore, vitamins. However, intermittent fasting does not limit the foods you eat. It aims to control when you take the nutrients. Therefore, it would not be correct to say that intermittent fasting leaves you without vitamins.
However, if your current eating habits and the foods you consume are not sufficient in terms of vitamins, you will suffer from vitamin deficiency during fasting.
Besides that, while you are doing intermittent fasting, if you apply detox methods during the times of the day when you eat and eat in a way that relaxes your body, you can make intermittent fasting have a detox effect.
On the other hand, if you take supplements or multivitamins during intermittent fasting, it is critical to take them while you are fasting or when you eat. Some of them are suitable to be taken on an empty stomach, while others should be taken with food. Let’s examine a few examples.
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Some supplements you can take with food are:
- Amino acid
- Protein powders
- Vitamins A, D, E, and K
Some supplements you can take while fasting:
- Probiotics
- Vitamins B and C
- Iron
Intermittent fasting regulates not what foods you eat, but when you eat them. Therefore, avoid taking unnecessary vitamins during intermittent fasting.
You don’t necessarily need to take any supplements, multivitamins, or detox products during intermittent fasting, but you can try them according to your doctor’s advice and your preferences.