Health

5 Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Medication

Published

4 years ago

February 6, 2022

Regardless of your health condition, it’s important to know if you are being prescribed the right medicine. Your doctor may be the sole authority when it comes to your medication, but in some cases, you may have to delve further to find out if a certain drug is exactly what you need.

At the end of the day, it’s you who gets to determine if the medicine you are taking is right for you. Not only that, your choices will help you steer clear of drugs that might not support your treatment.

With the help of your physician, consider making better drug choices and making the most out of your treatment:

1. Learn about the risks

Once your doctor prescribes a drug, you wouldn’t want to visit the pharmacy right away. Instead, take time to ask your doctor about certain details such as possible side effects and risks. Your doctor wouldn’t have prescribed the medicine in the first place if you have pre-existing conditions. It’s still important to know what could possibly go wrong in the long run. Doing your research on the possible treatment you will receive should help you make a more informed choice. If you have second thoughts about taking the drug, you can ask your doctor if they can give you something else.

2. Learn why it’s prescribed to you

It’s also important to know why you are being prescribed a certain drug. For instance, if you have been suffering from insomnia, your physician may recommend taking prescription sleeping pills. These are stronger over-the-counter pills you will find at the pharmacy, so there is always the risk of adverse effects which may include digestive problems, headaches, and even depression. Your doctor can give you a good answer on why you should be taking the medication despite these risks. By understanding why it’s the most effective treatment for your condition, you will be able to take it without reservation. In addition, learning a lot about the medication can help you take it properly and let your doctor know if you are feeling any of the side effects.

3. Keep a list of your medication

If you have multiple medical providers, you might want to inform them of the medication you are taking. If you are diabetic, for instance, you might want to let your psychiatrist and dentist know that you are taking metformin or insulin. This is crucial especially if they are prescribing painkillers, anti-anxiety pills, and mood stabilizers that might counteract with the other medications as well as the supplements you are taking. This will help your doctor determine which drug is ideal for your medical situation.

Consider keeping a list of the drugs you take along with a schedule for taking each one. You may also want your healthcare providers to collaborate in making sure you are prescribed drugs that are safe and won’t counteract each other.

4. Know if the drug is custom-made for your needs

In case you cannot be treated by certain drugs simply because they are not appropriate for your needs. This is true if you are allergic to certain ingredients or chemicals. For this, your healthcare providers may consider giving you compounded drugs. These drugs are altered so they are safer to take in. However, drug compounding is heavily regulated due to the risks it poses, so it’s important to know if your local pharmacy has a state-licensed compounding facility.

In most cases, the drugs are compounded in an FDA-approved outsourcing facility that uses sterile vs non sterile compounding processes. That’s a lot to take in, but if you have specific conditions that require drug preparations that tailor to your needs, learning about compounding processes and methods is critical.

5. Learn how to store medication properly

Contamination and environmental conditions can affect the medication’s potency and cause complications. Storing your medication is critical, so you must have the right containers for storing these drugs. In most cases, you may need to keep pills and tablets in their original packaging, but you can always place them in a medicine organizer. Make sure to place the container in a cool and dry area. Moisture and heat can damage the drugs, so see to it that the area is well-ventilated. Through proper storage, you can preserve the shelf life of the drugs and avoid instances of contamination.

When it comes to your medication, it matters a lot to be informed. Apply these tips so you can enhance the effectiveness of your treatment plan and steer clear of any adverse effects.

Health

Addressing Common Myths About Vitamins and Supplements by Amanda Tirado

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Michelle Langton

The wellness industry is filled with advice about vitamins and supplements, but not all of it is accurate. Many people rely on supplements for better health, but misunderstandings about how they work can lead to wasted money or even potential harm. Amanda Lorena Tirado, founder of Xmy, is passionate about educating people on making smarter supplement choices. Her company focuses on high-quality, effective products while also giving back to the community through charitable initiatives. Let’s break down some of the most common myths about vitamins and supplements so you can make informed decisions.

One of the biggest myths is that all supplements work the same way, regardless of how they are taken. Many don’t realize that traditional pills and capsules have to pass through the digestive system, where stomach acid and enzymes break them down. This can significantly reduce the amount of nutrients your body actually absorbs.

In contrast, oral strips and liquid supplements enter the bloodstream more quickly, making them more effective. For example, vitamin B12 is often poorly absorbed in pill form but is much more bioavailable in liquid or sublingual forms. Choosing the right delivery method is just as important as picking the right supplement.

Another misconception is that supplements can replace a healthy diet. Many people assume taking a daily multivitamin covers all their nutritional needs, but that’s not how the body works. Supplements are designed to support a good diet, not replace it. Whole foods provide more than just vitamins, they contain fiber, antioxidants, and other compounds that work together to benefit your health.

For example, an orange does not just offer vitamin C. It also provides fiber, flavonoids, and other nutrients that enhance absorption and support overall health. Research has shown that people who get their nutrients from food rather than supplements tend to have better long-term health outcomes. So while supplements can help fill gaps in your diet, they should not be your primary source of nutrients.

Many people also assume that if a supplement is labeled as “natural,” it must be better and safer. But that’s not necessarily true. The term “natural” is often used as a marketing tool rather than an indicator of quality or safety.

Some natural ingredients can be harmful, especially in high doses or when mixed with certain medications. On the flip side, some synthetic nutrients are actually more stable and easier for the body to absorb. The key is to choose well-researched, high-quality supplements from reputable brands rather than relying on misleading labels.

Another dangerous myth is that taking more vitamins means better health. Some believe that if a little is good, a lot must be even better, but that’s not always the case.

Certain vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones like A, D, E, and K, can build up in the body and become toxic if taken in excessive amounts. Too much vitamin A, for example, can lead to liver damage, while excessive vitamin D can cause kidney problems. Even water-soluble vitamins like B-complex and C can cause side effects in very high doses, such as nerve issues or stomach discomfort. Moderation is key when it comes to supplementation.

At Xmy, the focus is not just on convenience, it’s about real impact. The company is committed to producing supplements that prioritize effectiveness and bioavailability. But their mission goes beyond selling products.

Misinformation about supplements is everywhere, but being informed is the best way to make smarter health choices. The way a supplement is absorbed matters as much as what’s in it. A balanced diet is still the foundation of good health, and more vitamins don’t always mean better results.

Xmy is changing the way people think about supplements. Amanda and her team believe that good health is not just about what you take, it’s about making informed choices and supporting brands that genuinely care. Choosing the right supplements means choosing a brand that stands for something bigger. With Xmy, you are not just improving your health, you are supporting a company that is making a real difference.