Virgil, a Roman poet, once stated that health was the greatest wealth. This statement dates back to over two thousand years. This statement is still relevant today because of the increasing costs of healthcare and hospitalization.
Your pocketbook can be hurt if you spend on health-related expenses. Unfortunately, the economy also suffers when there are more people who get sick. A previous report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC states that the economy is suffering from $147 billion worth of job productivity losses.
This is why it is so important to find out how to lower healthcare costs. More studies have shown that there are many ways to reduce the amount of money needed to care for your health.
The CRN Foundation published a report that examined the possibility of lowering healthcare costs by using certain types dietary supplements to prevent various diseases.
This article will provide information about the various dietary supplements that you can use to prevent common illnesses. One of the best ways to lower healthcare costs is to avoid staggering expenses.
All You Need to Know About Dietary Supplements
The US Food and Drug Administration defines diet supplements as products that are added to the diet to provide nutrition. If it is manufactured to alleviate or prevent different diseases, it may be considered drug.
Supplements must also be consumed and sold in a variety of forms such as capsules, tablets and gel caps, softgels, bars and powders, gummies and ready-to use liquid suspensions.
These are the most popular supplements on the market:
- Vitamins – Multivitamins and single vitamins, such as vitamin D or vitamin C
- Minerals – Iron, magnesium, and calcium
- Botanical compounds – Curcumin, caffeine and others
- Botanicals and herbs – Ginger, echinacea, and other botanicals
- Live microbial – Also known probiotics
- Amino acids – Including glutamine, tryptophan and other amino acids
What supplements can you take to reduce healthcare costs?
There are many dietary supplements that can be used to treat various diseases and lower healthcare costs.
Omega-3 Fatty acids for Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. Also known as Coronary Heart Disease, (CHD), it is also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). According to the CDC the disease claimed 659,000 lives each year.
The US Department of Health & Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates that 13.4 million Americans aged 55 and over used in-patient services or were admitted to the emergency room in 2022 because of CAD.
The CRN Foundation report estimates that this disease will result in approximately $432.58 million in healthcare and productivity losses by 2022.
Preventive measures are important to decrease the need for CAD management services due to the high prevalence of this disease. To improve your cardiovascular health, you can use dietary supplements such as Omega-3.
Research has shown that Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and alga can reduce the chance of developing CAD. Omega-3 dietary supplements, which include Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can help to reduce your chances of getting the disease by as much as 10%.
To protect your heart against the dreaded Coronary Diseases, Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplements must contain pure triglyceride EPA or DHA. For better heart health, it is best to search for this supplement with vitaminD, such as Omega+D3.
Other vital supplements were also recommended in the report to prevent CAD. Magnesium and Vitamin K are some examples. Soluble Fiber supplements are also mentioned.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes a decrease in bone quality and mineral density. Osteoporosis has been a major healthcare problem in the US for many years, particularly when it is associated with osteoporotic fractures.
A 2014 study based on Medicare claims (from the CRN Foundation report) found that hip fractures could have a direct and indirect economic impact of up to $50,000 per case. Approximately 70% of these expenses are for post-fracture disabilities.
It can be prevented by increasing bone health with dietary supplements such as Calcium and Vitamin D.
Calcium can be naturally obtained from dairy products such as milk, cheeses, yogurt, and even ice cream. This nutrient can also be obtained from seafood, and other plant-based products such as broccoli.
Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption. Vitamin D can be obtained naturally by getting enough sun exposure. It can be difficult to get enough Vitamin D during winter or other cloudy days.
Supplements rich in Vitamin D and Calcium may help you to compensate. This can reduce your risk of Osteoporosis up to 19.7%
Age-Related Macular Decgeneration
Age-related macular disease (AMD) is a common degenerative eye condition that affects people over 50. It causes the central retina to deteriorate, or macula, and can lead to blindness.
The report estimates that the healthcare costs for patients with low vision and blindness in the US could reach $39,301 by 2021 and rise to $43,458 in 2030.
Supplements rich in Lutein or Zeaxanthin may help prevent AMD. These Xanthophylls are often part of the daily diet.
Supplements such as ImmuneBoost include research doses of Lutein or Zeaxanthin. It may also protect your eyes against blue light damage.
These supplements can improve your eyesight and slow down the aging process. It may also improve your immune system.
Cognitive Decline
Cognitive impairment, another age-related condition, has a significant impact on the nation’s long-term dependency and medical care.
This condition is quite common in older people. However, there are many factors that can cause cognitive decline to become severe neurodegenerative conditions like Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
CRN Foundation Report referenced research by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America that showed that neurodegenerative diseases cost the US $259 billion. Vitamin B supplements can help reduce the chance of developing these conditions.
Immune Boost includes essential Vitamin B complexes such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Folate, and Vitamin B12. These nutrients help slow down cognitive decline by slowing homocysteine metabolism.
Vitamin B supplements can help you combat the effects of aging. They will also reduce your chances of developing severe cognitive impairment in your later years.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, can be painful. It can also have a negative impact on the patient’s quality of living.
IBM could cause absenteeism at work. According to the report, IBS affects 7.94 million Americans. It could result in productivity and medical costs going unpaid, as well as thousands of dollars being lost. This could also result in tax losses and higher healthcare and social welfare costs.
Supplements may also be helpful in reducing the risk of IBS. Supplements with Probiotics or Prebiotics, for example, can improve digestion. To help prevent IBS symptoms, you can take Prebiotic.
Early Childhood Development Disorders
Research suggests that unborn children may be affected by choline deficiencies in pregnant women. NHANES found that over 90% of expectant mothers don’t have enough choline in the diet.
Research shows that babies with low levels of this nutrient are at risk for poor brain and spinal development. You can reduce your chances of developing congenital fetal disabilities if you get enough of this nutrient in pregnancy.
To protect your baby’s stomach, it is best to take choline-rich vitamins like Focus. It can also help reduce brain fog naturally.
Supplements can help lower the chance of developing these diseases. This is one of the best ways to protect your body.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Why take Dietary Supplements
Supplements can help you manage certain ailments and improve your overall health. It can also be your first step to lower healthcare costs.
Who should take Supplements?
Supplements can be beneficial for everyone, even people with certain health conditions.
Are Supplements allowed daily?
To get the best benefit, you must replenish water-soluble vitamins every day. You don’t have to consume fat-soluble nutrients every day to keep them from being stored in your liver.
Low-cost Supplements can mean big savings in healthcare costs
Supplements to your diet can help improve your health and protect you from many diseases. This may mean that you have to spend more on your regular budget. It will still be much less than what you would pay for hospitalization or other treatment.
