Four Peals for Supplements
Hello all!! Hope you all are doing well and having a fantastic week so far!! Today's topic may be a little controversial, but I think it is really important. I got a lot of information from the podcasts I've listed below, so please check that out if you have the time!! :)
Four Pearls for Supplements:
There are so many things that could be said that this won't even scratch the surface, but I just wanted to leave you with a few things to think about before you use your hard-earned money to buy supplements
#1 Remember what a supplement is
The definition of supplements is something that works to improve, complete, or make up for a missing part. It is not the whole thing. Lifestyle measures are still king when it comes to your health
#2 Ask yourself these things
Why are you taking it? Is there a measurable way you can tell if it's making a difference? Has it been studied to show that effect? Try to get as specific as possible with why you are taking something and the effect you are hoping it may have. If possible, track the effect via lab work or journaling how it made you feel.
#3 risk vs. reward
You want to make sure there are no side effects to taking a supplement, or if there are, that they are minimal/worth the risk for the outcome you are getting. Financial concerns also are a factor, as many supplements get to be very expensive.
#4 Ensure safety
Look for third party testing on all supplements you take (i.e., USP Verified, NSF Certified (and NSF Certified for Sport), Informed Choice/Informed Sport, BSCG Certified Drug Free, and ConsumerLab.com). This does not mean it will work; it just means that what is on the bottle is actually in there. Supplements aren't regulated by the FDA, so unless they are third-party tested, it's possible what it says on the label is not actually what is in it.
Supplements can have a place in a healthy lifestyle, but they should supplement the foundation, not replace it.
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