When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can be easy to get sucked into purchasing products that boast exaggerated claims of they can help you. And for many, this marketing and messaging hits home when you’re at your most vulnerable.
But if you’re looking for more natural and non-medical ways to boost your mental health and cognitive abilities to help improve your mood, it’s vital that you know what you’re buying so you can make more informed decisions about what’s best for you.
What should you pay attention to when looking for OTC medications or supplements to help with your mental health?
Third-Party Testing
All reputable manufacturers will have their products independently tested and verified to ensure that consumers know the ingredients are legitimate and that what they contain is accurate. Organizations such as ConsumerLab, NSF International, and USP are independent testing laboratories that help verify products and supplements, ensuring they are standardized and free from contaminants.
Understand Ingredients
You need to fully understand the ingredients you will be taking and their purported benefits. What exactly is ashwagandha, and why is it used for anxiety and helping sleep? Will you be better off looking at magnesium or vitamin D, or is valerian or CBD right for you?
Make it your mission to fully understand the supplements and ingredients on the market for mental health support so you know what you are consuming, how it will impact you, and what benefits it can offer.
Studies
There is a wealth of studies from leading medical and scientific journals available online that you can reference to ascertain the legitimacy of certain ingredients and determine if they have benefits or if they’re negligible or anecdotal at best.
For example, 9-Me-BC solution is labelled for research use only but has claims for mental health and cognitive support. But what are the studies showing regarding its safety if this is something you’re considering? What are the studies on products like cannabis for mental and cognitive health, and CBD, too? This kind of research can help you make an informed decision about what you can or should do to stay sane and boost the chances of achieving the results you need and want.
Side Effects
Just like medication, supplements can have unwanted side effects and cause health problems if not used correctly or in combination with other products or medications. The dosage and ingredients matter, and just because others haven’t reported side effects, it doesn’t mean you won’t experience any. Be cautious and aware of potential risks, especially if you’re not using the supplement correctly or are unsure of what to look for.
Unrealistic Claims
Remember, if a supplement’s claims sound too good to be true, they probably are. Avoid products that make wild or outlandish claims and guarantee results, especially if they lack FDA approval or third-party verification. These products may not only fail to deliver the promised benefits but could also cause harm. It’s better to choose a supplement that doesn’t make bold claims but is more likely to be safe and effective.
Leave a Reply