To Supplement or Not?
I have a friend that works in a natural foods store. She once told me once how online trends influence customers’ purchases, and even though she doesn’t use social media herself, she can typically tell what the latest trends are by what is selling at the store. If we aren’t careful, social media influencers can have us convinced that we have high cortisol, low progesterone, hormone imbalances galore, sluggish lymphatic drainage, and the like. They use clever sales tactics that make big promises, and the most popular issue they’re trying to target is weight loss. We should be careful not to fall for “viral” gimmicks and end up purchasing hundreds of dollars’ worth of supplements that might not actually get to the root cause—or worse, cause even more problems.
This is why working with a professional is so important.
I always advise clients to start with their health foundations and lifestyle adjustments first before considering supplementation. Also, it is wise to consult with a physician because certain supplements can interact with prescription medications or even build up in the body and create toxicity. People with pre-existing conditions can become worse with supplementation, of course depending on how it’s approached.
If you’re considering taking supplements, I suggest you follow these guidelines:
Supplements aren’t monitored by the Food and Drug Administration. Choose reputable brands that have correct dosages and quality ingredients.
Using supplements should be a short-term thing. Taking certain ones for too long, for example fat soluble vitamins like D, K, A, and E can build up in the body’s tissues and become toxic if overused.
To supplement means to “add to” or “enhance” what is already being done. Focus on eating a healthy, whole-foods diet and greatly minimize the consumption of added sugar and ultra-processed foods.
If you’re wanting to take probiotics, get advice on the specific bacterial strains and blends that would be most helpful for your needs, and always switch them up after a while. There are certain conditions that can be made worse with probiotics such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Low in vitamin D? Try getting 5-30 minutes of midday sun every day directly on exposed skin. Regular exercise can help raise and maintain vitamin D levels as well. Millions of people have low vitamin D, and no it’s not because they don’t drink enough milk. It’s because they spend too much time indoors.
Always follow dosage instructions provided by the supplement company or from a medical doctor.
Did you know that there are lifestyle choices that can actually deplete your body of nutrients? Our bodies work very hard to maintain homeostasis, and when we interfere with its brilliant design, we pay for it in the end.
Smoking/vaping
Alcohol consumption
Overconsumption of caffeine
A diet high in sugar and ultra-processed food
Chronic stress
Poor sleep
Taking supplements can be extremely beneficial if approached in a balanced, strategic way. I once went to a holistically-minded healthcare practitioner who loaded me up with expensive bottles of at least 12 different supplements! It was stressful, costly, and not at all sustainable. That is something I swore not to do as a health professional. I believe in the innate intelligence our bodies have to heal and recalibrate if given the right environment and nourishment.
Our job is not to override that wisdom.
Emily James CNHP
