Is it really worth taking the handful of those pills/capsules each day? Are they actually doing anything and making any sort of difference? After all, it seems a little too good to be true that you can get away with having optimal nutrition solely with the help of a little tablet.
So, the answer — as you may have suspected — is yes and no. Supplements may be useful for people who are unable to get the right amount of nutrition from their diet alone. While the root solution should be to first improve their diet, some people may have very specific conditions that affect nutrient absorption and call for even higher nutrition and extra support that supplements are able to provide. People who follow diets considered restrictive may also need supplements to ensure they are getting enough nutrition in their diet.
Some warning signs/symptoms to look out for that may indicate you could benefit from supplements: chronic fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, a thyroid condition, long-term vegan with low energy, high-stress lifestyle, digestive issues, and lowered immunity.
Keep in mind — supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. There is always a concern for mislabeling, compromised quality, and potential adverse side effects. Always look for the highest quality products and do your research to become an informed consumer.
The most important thing you can do is listen to your body. Food has an impact on everything, so what you're eating should be optimized before turning to supplements. They may be appropriate in some situations, but food always comes first. Don't forget to consider what is the primary food in your life — healthy relationships, regular physical activity, a fulfilling career, and a spiritual practice. A huge emphasis is placed on primary food in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition because if that's not feeding you, no supplement will help.
Figure out your body's zero point — try changing up when or how often you take supplements, as well as the brand and take notice of any differences. Your body is constantly in flux so it's important to stay attuned to what it's telling you.
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