
Do I need to take supplements?
During a first visit with a new patient, I review what medications and supplements they are taking in order to make sure there aren’t any dangerous interactions. I am often taken aback by the length of the supplement list that many of these new patients provide me! When questioned about why they take each supplement, I often hear that they “heard that it was good for me”.
It seems like every week there is a new product on the market that is touted as being “good for you” with regards to preventing disease, increasing energy, improving mood, you name it! With hundreds of these supplements to choose from, it’s easy to rack up an expensive bill at the health food store and leave feeling more confused than when you entered.
In reality, the majority of these nutrients are found in the foods we eat and if you consume a well-balanced diet, chances are you don’t need to take supplements at all! The problem that arises, is that we often don’t eat what we should; in fact, a 2009 study found that globally, about 78% of people do not consume the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. This can lead to low-level nutritional deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals that support detoxification and reduce inflammation).
If you are like most people and don’t get your 5-8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, you may want to consider taking some of these daily supplements as an adjunct to your diet to stay healthy, decrease inflammation and improve detoxification.
The Top 5 Daily Supplements
Again, not everyone needs to be taking supplements, especially if you are consuming a well-rounded diet. Below are the top 5 supplements that you may want to consider taking; please note these supplements may not be necessary for everybody. Unless otherwise advised, these supplements will not interfere with any medications or medical conditions and are safe in pregnancy. If you are taking medications or are pregnant, it is best to speak to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Yours in health,
