“Is it safe to take this supplement together with the medication I’m currently taking from the hospital?”
As a pharmacist, I have worked with many patients, supporting them with their medications as well as their everyday health and lifestyle. After dealing with countless prescriptions in clinical practice, one thing I have come to appreciate is that while medications play a vital role in relieving and managing existing symptoms, a different perspective is also essential when it comes to building and maintaining long-term health.
Medications, supplements, and everyday lifestyle habits all have their own roles. In this article, I would like to share some key points to help you understand these roles correctly and use them safely and effectively.
The Reality of Getting Lost in the World of Supplements
While managing medications at facilities for older adults and working at pharmacy counters, I have received many questions about supplements from people in their 50s and older.
Many people choose to take supplements for the positive reason that they “want to become healthier.” However, I once worked with a patient who had taken this approach a little too far.
While already taking several prescription medications, the patient had independently started taking five different supplements, without fully understanding their ingredients, simply because “they said it was good for the body on TV” or “it had great reviews online.”
The person was very anxious, saying, “My stomach hasn’t been feeling well lately, and I get tired easily. I don’t know whether it’s because of my medication or the supplements.”
My Approach as Both a Pharmacist and Personal Trainer
First, I reviewed all of the medications and supplements the person was taking and carefully checked their ingredients.
I discovered that some of the supplements contained ingredients that could interfere with the absorption of their medication. Rather than simply telling the person, “You need to stop taking them,” I worked with them to review everything step by step.
1. Narrowing it down to what was truly necessary
We eliminated overlapping ingredients and reduced the supplements to those with a clear purpose.
2. Adjusting the timing
To reduce the possibility of the medications and supplements interfering with each other in the stomach, we adjusted the schedule so that they were taken approximately two hours apart.
3. Starting with a small amount
Taking the digestive system into consideration, I suggested starting with a smaller amount rather than immediately taking the full recommended serving stated on the package, and then observing how the body responded.
Furthermore, because I also work as a personal trainer, I asked about the person’s everyday lifestyle habits.
Medication can help relieve symptoms, while supplements can help provide nutrients that may be lacking. However, if the foundation of diet, exercise, and sleep is out of balance, even these efforts cannot be fully effective.
I therefore suggested simple activities that could easily be incorporated into daily life, such as light walking, as well as ways to choose foods that are gentle on and supportive of the body’s organs.
As a result, the person’s stomach discomfort gradually improved, and they were able to regain a more positive sense of energy and vitality.
Three Essential Rules for Using Supplements Safely
Based on this experience, I recommend keeping the following points in mind when using supplements.
1. Check the background and evidence
Rather than choosing a supplement simply because it has good reviews or a strong reputation, it is important to check whether its safety and scientific evidence are clearly established.
2. Consult a professional and take supplements with confidence
Taking something while constantly worrying, “I wonder if it’s safe to take this together with my medication,” can itself create unnecessary stress for both the mind and body.
Rather than making decisions entirely on your own, feel free to consult a healthcare professional, such as your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure you understand what you are taking and feel genuinely comfortable using it.
3. Don’t forget the foundation of a healthy lifestyle
Supplements are not magic pills. The most reliable approach to maintaining good health is to consider supplements as part of a broader approach that includes everyday nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other healthy lifestyle habits.
In Closing
In today’s world, where information is everywhere, it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to choose. That is precisely why it is important to make good use of professionals like us.
Rather than viewing the choice as “medication versus supplements,” it is important to understand the role that each can play.
If you have any questions or concerns about your medications or supplements, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. By seeking appropriate advice and finding an approach that suits you, you can take a more informed and confident approach to managing your health every day.
Kazuaki Futami
Pharmacist • Personal Trainer