Everything we eat and drink affects the body—and it ultimately affects heart and health.
Medications and supplements can produce dramatic changes, so it is good to ask trusted healthcare professionals questions about them. It also helps to read labels and package inserts before we start taking these pills, capsules, powders, and other items.
Here are 15 questions to ask:
- What condition does this treat or benefit does it serve?
- How long before I know it is working?
- How do I know if it works?
- How long should I take it?
- What possible side effects can it have?
- Can it interact with other things I take?
- What other medicine/supplement could give me the same benefit?
- How do I take it? (With food? Without food? Before bed? With water?)
- When and how often do I take it? (Morning? Noon? Night? How many times a day?)
- Can grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or other foods affect how it works?
- Can it interact with other medications/supplements I take?
- Is it contraindicated for my health issues?
- Do all my health providers need to know I take this?
- What should I do if I notice side effects?
- What should I do if I forget to take it?
These aren’t all the questions to ask, but they can start the conversation with health professionals. These discussions can be heartening—giving us reassurance we are doing our best for ourselves. Please share other questions you ask about your medications and supplements.
Susan
