Let’s Talk Supplements
It’s hot and confusing topic and for that reason I have often shied away from talking about it. But the fact is that people still want to take them, and if you’re going to bother taking them at all, I’d love to see you taking the best out there. So let’s get into it.
Supplements are exactly that...supplemental TO a healthy diet and lifestyle. They will never be a replacement for them. There are some great supplements out there, but there are also a lot of bad ones! Sadly, it can sometimes be hard to determine which are which because they are almost always marketed to us in deceitful ways...as cures, as magic pills, as a bypass for doing hard work.
So I wanted to give you a couple easy tips to keep in mind when sourcing supplements and a couple that I think might be well worth using.
1) If a claim seems too good to be true; it probably is.
2) Third-party testing a must when choosing supplements – if it’s not third party tested, move on. Testing ensures that what they say on the bottle is what is actually IN the bottle.
3) The goal is to first focus on a whole-foods diet & optimize digestion and THEN look to supplements, or you could just be wasting your money. You cannot out-exercise or out-supplement a poor diet.
4) Many vitamins and minerals function optimally when paired or balanced with other vitamins and minerals. This is why it’s helpful to consult a professional about what types of supplements are best.
Image by Ola Mishchenko
There are a couple of supplements that I personally use on a regular basis and that I believe can be good additions to your healthy lifestyle…
Whole Food Vitamins
Whole-food vitamins are a like a broad “filler” for nutrients that you may be temporarily not be getting enough of. Whole-food vitamins are more bioavailable and have increased absorption compared to conventional foods and synthetic vitamins.
Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine monohydrate is one of THE most researched and safest supplements on the market. Research shows creatine’s potential for applications in neurological disorders, sarcopenia, lowering blood sugar, inflammatory disease and of course, enhancing muscle performance (which it is most known for).
Magnesium
Magnesium is required for over 600 different biochemical reactions in the body—that’s a LOT! It’s an essential electrolyte and can be helpful for mood regulation, supporting healthy bones, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and boosting athletic performance.
Conclusion
Remember that as appealing as some supplements are—they are no substitute for an overall healthy diet and lifestyle!
As a professional nutrition practitioner, I have access to an amazing online dispensary which carries top brands bound to strict quality control practices. (There are also brands you won’t find available in any retail setting.) You are welcome to order from this dispensary or book a free call to discuss what might be the best option for you.