Supplements; Should you take them?
Hi, friends!
First, I should start by apologizing. I haven't written a blog post since April (OOPS!!). On the other hand, I should be thanking you for keeping me so busy that I haven't had time to write a blog post!! Either way, I'm back!
A few weeks ago I asked my followers on Instagram what they would prefer to read; recipes or health topics, and the results came back ALMOST split down the middle. So, I'll do both!
This week will be a health topic and next week will be a recipe.
So, let's talk about supplements. Recently, I have had many new clients start their coaching program with me and I would say about 50% of them had been taking anywhere from 6-12 different supplements every single day. Depending on your current regimen, this may seem normal or crazy. In my world, this is nonsense, but it is exactly what the marketing teams of supplement brands are hoping for.
If this is you - don't feel bad, and definitely don't panic. Everything is FINE. But I want to discuss some tips to choosing when to supplement and when not to supplement.
Here are my beliefs on supplementation...
1. If you can get it from your food - do that.
2. If you 100% cannot get it from your food- supplement it.
3. Don't purchase a supplement just because your friend said it helped her or because you read an article in a magazine and decided it was the answer to your prayers.
Keep in mind that your body has to process supplements just like any other man-made product. Taking too many supplements, especially if they are of poor quality, can be extremely toxic and hard to process. This creates extra work for your liver that is likely unnecessary. So, THINK ABOUT IT before you start tossing back vitamins and supplements like they are candy. If you don't know, ask someone who does!
I have come up with a common list of supplements, along with my thoughts about their necessesity. Compare this to your list of supplements and take a close look at what you are taking, or not taking. If I can be of any help, shoot me an email! That's what I am here for.
1. Probiotics
Love them! As long as you are taking a high quality brand, these can be extremely helpful for your digestive and immune system. Check out my favorite brands here.
2. D3
Most of us are on the low side of vitamin D, and this is one of the few vitamins we cannot get from our food. I personally take a Raw D3 supplement daily, and you can check out my favorite brand here.
3. Iron
Most of us can get adequate iron from our food. Beets are FULL of iron, along with many other plant-based foods! I recommend trying to incorporate new foods prior to turning to supplements, as it will be easier for your body to process and absorb.
4. Multivitamins
I know this may seem "normal," but I strongly disagree with the concept of taking a multivitamin. If you have the ability to make smoothies, salads, and nutritious meals, you should not need to supplement with a multivitamin.
5. Vitamin C
This is widely available in plant-based foods.
6. Magnesium
If you are deficient, I would recommend taking liquid trace minerals, as it will be easier to absorb than a capsule form. You can see my favorite brand here.
7. B-12
Though B-12 is harder to find in plant-based foods, it is possible. Spirulina, chlorella, and nutritional yeast are great sources of B-12.
I know this list may seem brief, but each individual is VERY different, so I cannot give specific recommendations without knowing more about your unique health history and current wellness goals. However, I hope you find the guidelines provided above to be useful!
Do you have a list of supplements you're curious about? Reach out to me directly and I would be happy to help!
Head over to MY SHOP for a list of my favorite products and their benefits.
xo,
Emma