Why Are Supplements an Essential Addition to Your Daily Routine?

Many individuals often view a daily supplement regimen as an unnecessary indulgence, typically associated with wellness gurus or health buffs. Nonetheless, a significant factor in poor health is nutrient deficiencies, which occur when your body lacks essential elements needed for proper functioning. As your body attempts to compensate for these deficiencies to maintain functionality, symptoms may emerge.

Although a pharmaceutical may claim they cure a symptom, it essentially conceals it. This often compels your body to adjust further, resulting in unintended outcomes, such as side effects. The answer? Providing your body with what it genuinely requires – nutritious food, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and proper hydration – which enables your body to heal naturally and enhance its overall function.

Incorporating additional nutrients can initiate your healing process and provide continuous protection from modern life's stressors, including toxins, inadequate sleep, and nutrient-depleted soils where our food is cultivated.

Not Everyone Fits the Same Mold

Our nutritional requirements differ based on factors such as life stage, everyday physical activities, and any health conditions you might be dealing with. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) or Daily Value (DV) for nutrients, as proposed in the US, oversimplifies our true needs.

Understanding the history of RDAs is crucial. They were created many years ago, before we had knowledge of how various nutrients interact or how factors like our microbiome, age, weight, and lifestyle influence nutrient absorption and uptake. Initially, the focus was on preventing diseases caused by specific deficiencies like scurvy, beri beri, pellagra, and rickets, rather than on achieving optimal health.

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees Daily Values on food packaging to assist consumers in evaluating nutrient content, the percentages shown might not match your specific needs. Often, your personal requirements could be significantly greater.

Blood tests can detect deficiencies, but the "normal" nutrient ranges can be misleading. These ranges are often derived from populations that are frequently already deficient. Therefore, even if your levels fall within the "normal" range, it doesn't guarantee that your nutrient levels are optimal.

Supplements and Regulation

A frequent argument against supplements is that they are not as strictly regulated by the FDA as pharmaceutical drugs. However, let's consider this: pharmaceutical drugs are only required to demonstrate that their benefits surpass the risks. Common side effects, like muscle pain, incontinence, or nutrient depletion, are often tolerated as part of the deal, and drugs receive approval as long as they show better results than a placebo.

Conversely, dietary supplements are required to show no risk of harmful effects. In the United States, any new supplement must be reported to the FDA before being marketed, but formal approval is not required. If issues occur subsequently, the FDA can withdraw the product from the market. Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees the claims made by supplements to prevent false advertising. Companies that violate these regulations may face fines or imprisonment.

Not all supplements are created equal. Many products, especially those made cheaply with synthetic components, may not be effective or easily absorbed. Generally, your body can tell the difference and may not achieve the desired results. Fillers, anti-caking agents, and preservatives are common concerns in numerous supplements. It's beneficial to know what to look for or to consult someone who can provide guidance.

Supplements Frequently Recommended

When working with clients, I tailor supplement suggestions to meet their specific requirements. However, I have created a list of supplements that I frequently recommend because they benefit many individuals. If you choose to incorporate a supplement into your regimen, I advise beginning with only one at a time. Use it for a couple of days, up to a week, to see how your body reacts before introducing another.

1. Probiotics: Just one of the crucial supplements for rebuilding gut health, numerous elements can damage your microbiome, making a daily probiotic advantageous.

2. Vitamin D: If you don't spend much time outside in the sunlight, you're probably lacking in vitamin D. It's essential for many body functions. Taking the correct daily dosage, along with vitamin K2, can significantly impact your health.

3. Vitamin C: An antioxidant that aids immune function and vascular health. The usual recommended dosage of 50-100mg might not be enough if you're experiencing stress or battling an illness. It may be beneficial to take more, under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

4. B Complex: B vitamins are crucial for overall well-being, especially for brain health. If you encounter brain fog or emotional issues, you might consider taking a higher dose of B vitamins.

5. Magnesium: This mineral is may help in controlling blood pressure and managing glucose levels. Many people are deficient without realizing it, leading to symptoms like headaches, leg cramps, and heart palpitations. Magnesium glycinate is a highly absorbable form, but it serves a specific purpose. In fact, there are more than eight types of magnesium, so choosing the right supplement for your needs is important.
   

Certainly, there are other supplements I suggest depending on individual health requirements. To explore which ones might be advantageous for you, I advise consulting a professional.

Prioritize Food, Use Supplements as a Backup

Although supplements can aid your health, the most effective strategy is a balanced diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods. Remember that science has only explored a small portion of the thousands of compounds found in real food, all of which play a role in its healing properties.

However, for those who cannot rely solely on nutrient-dense, organic food from regenerative farms, incorporating a few carefully selected supplements can be a crucial step in enhancing our health. To discuss other beneficial supplements or get assistance with a specific concern and which supplements might be useful, please complete the discovery call form or the consultation request form. Save 15% on all supplements by using the Fullscript store under my healthcare provider account. I do not directly sell these products. *This blog post is not a substitute for medical advice. Always work with an educated healthcare provider when looking for diet, nutrition, and supplement advice. If you would like to speak with someone about your journey to better health, reach out anytime to The Nutritional Advisor via our CONTACT FORM