SUPPLEMENTS, DO WE NEED THEM?

It seems every other day there is a new life changing supplement to hit the market. It can be so overwhelming to choose supplements or to decide if you even need to take them. The supplement industry was estimated to be around 149.5 billion in 2021, with a projection to grow. At the end of the day it is a huge business. Is it one we NEED to invest in? Well, that is always ultimately the call of the consumer.

The truth is though, our food is not what it was 100 years ago. Our crops no longer hold the nutritional value they use to. Climate change, deforestation and industrial activity all contribute to our soil being depleted. What does this mean? The minerals we once received through our foods are no longer present. We are not getting the zinc, copper, selenium etc that we once did. These are vital nutrients to help support our immune system and to support our mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell). You could be eating an extremely “healthy” diet but still lacking some of the nutrients you need. So what is the solution?

I have tried many supplements and vitamins over the years. Here is what I will say. If you are going to invest in supplements, make sure they are high quality. If you buy just any vitamins, you may be wasting your money. I have done quite a bit of research on companies and some of the best products you can get.

What I would also do is work with your doctor or practitioner to order a full nutritional panel.

Find out exactly what you’re missing and supplement accordingly. Why is this important? We won’t feel as good and energized as we can without the right micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Imbalance in our nutritional panel can also lead to mood issues. Vitamin D and B vitamins play a tremendous role in mood regulation. Omega-3 has also been found to stabilize mood and improve symptoms of depression.

Most importantly, whether you take supplements or not, pay close attention to how you feel!