*Please always consult your primary care provider before taking any supplements and make sure to use only the highest professional grade supplements*
With so many options available, selecting the best supplements can be a challenge. All supplements have some effect on your body whether it’s beneficial, neutral or potentially harmful. Given how impactful they can potentially be, it’s very important to carefully consider which ones you take.
Over the past decade, I have become very selective over which supplements I take. I prefer to get most of my nutrients from healthy organic whole foods, spices and herbs. But there are times when my body requires extra support in the form of supplements. When I need that extra support, these are some of the guidelines I use to select my supplements.
#1 Address the MOST pressing issue first
Tackle your biggest challenge first as this is most likely your weakest link. Your body has an amazing ability to self heal and by supporting the biggest challenge, it can start to bring back balance and heal other issues you are experiencing.
For example, if you feel tired and have no energy and your HTMA test results show your adrenal function is not optimal, then begin by supporting your adrenal health.
#2 Look for a general system/organ (example: stress support/adrenal support/liver support) formula vs a single herb or mineral supplement.
There is definitely a place for single herb, vitamin or mineral supplements, but I have found special formulations targeting specific body systems or organs to be immensely beneficial as a starting point. The formulations are designed and created by health professionals who understand the synergistic value of various herbs, minerals, and vitamins. These formulations are power packed and I have found them to be both effective and cost efficient. If you have a lot of allergies and sensitivities, you may need to select single ingredient supplements.
#3 Research the supplement and supplement company thoroughly.
Learn as much as you can about the formula and the company making it. Read their website information and how they formulate their supplements. Learn about each of the ingredients that go into the formula you are considering.
Are there any contraindications?
Can you trust the company?
What quality ingredients are they using?
Where are they sourcing their ingredients?
What feedback are other users of this supplement giving?
How long has this company been in the supplement business?
Who is formulating the supplements?
After you do your research, the most important question to ask is:
How would my body feel if I took this supplement?
If you feel hesitant, move on to another one. If you are excited and are eager to order, then there is a good chance it will be a very helpful one for you. Pay very close attention to how your body responds and which thoughts go through your mind. Do not dismiss these as your body is always communicating to you in some form.
Bonus Tip: Start with ONLY 1 supplement at the lowest dose and then if it feels right for your body, go up to the label recommendation.
Do not take multiple supplements at once as you will not know which one is helping you (or causing problems). Take your first selected supplement for a week or longer before adding any other ones you may have selected. More is not always better.
All supplements are inputs to your body that the body needs to process. It can be beneficial, neutral or harmful. Every time you put a supplement in your body, you are asking it to do something for you. So, it’s typically best in my experience to use 3 or less at a time as your body can become overwhelmed. I’ve found it is better to rotate supplements and not stay on the same one long term. And most importantly, always listen to your body.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
