There is a big move towards natural healing methods in America. Whether it be vitamins or herbal remedies, most people keep some kind of all natural health supplements in their home now. But, what some might not realize it that they could be wasting valuable money by not storing their supplements properly to maintain their freshness. Read on for a few important factors to consider when storing supplements at home.
Keep Your Containers
It is best to always store supplements in their original, airtight containers. This ensures that they can be easily identified, which prevents dangerous mix-ups from happening. Different types of supplements should never be combined together in the same container or in a different unlabeled container. Clear glass or plastic containers should also be avoided because they allow light to reach the supplements, which can cause them to degrade and lose their efficacy.
Heat and Moisture Control
Though the two most common places to keep health supplements is in the bathroom and kitchen, these are actually the worst places for them. The bathroom has an ongoing supply of moisture from showers and baths being taken, which can increase the oxidation of supplements. The more that the supplements are exposed to moisture, the faster they break down. The kitchen offers the same problem because of the amount of water that is used for cooking and washing dishes. Another problem with storing supplements in the bathroom or kitchen is the amount of heat they are exposed to. Heat fluctuations can also increase the rate that supplements degrade. They should also never be put next to sunny, drafty windows, or in the refrigerator either.
Finding the Best Place
Some supplements are not safe for children, so it is very important that they are stored somewhere that little ones can’t reach. Most supplement manufacturers suggest they be kept in the bedroom on an out of reach shelf. Some prefer organizing all of their supplements in a pill organizer. This is perfectly fine as long as they are only in there for a few days maximum before they are taken.
Exceptions to the Rules
There are two types of supplements that have exceptions to the above rules for storage. They are probiotics and fish oil capsules. Both of these supplements will quickly degrade if they are not kept in a cool, refrigerated environment. Probiotics and other types of natural supplements for digestion contain special bacteria that are especially sensitive to the heat, and fish oil tends to go rancid without refrigeration.