Nutritional supplements refers to a wide range of products that are designed to enhance your health, improve athletic performance, or otherwise affect your physical or mental well being.
These can include vitamins, sports supplements, weight loss products, teas, herbs, and antioxidants. Nutritional supplements can be found in almost all health food stores and many traditional stores as well.
Throughout history, nutritional supplements have been used to treat a wide range of ailments and to improve health. Many traditional medicines come from what may be considered supplements.
Perhaps one of the most common forms of nutritional supplement is the vitamin. Many people take multivitamins, and doctors often recommend such use.
Some vitamins can be risky if taken in excess, however, so an awareness of the safety of such vitamins is essential. An excess of Vitamin A, for example, can lead to liver damage and other unpleasant side effects. Consult with a doctor before taking anything vitamin supplements.
Other popular supplements are used in sports, where they are used to enhance performance and speed recovery. Many supplements used for these purposes cause debate as to effectiveness, and some have been pulled from the shelves.
Ephedrine is one recent example. Used in many weight loss products, ephedrine caused serious heart problems for some users and is now a regulated substance. Creatine is another supplement of possible unknown side effects. Some people claim that it causes liver damage, while others say that it is safe when used appropriately.
One of the most important things to know about nutritional supplements is that they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is why many product claims on packaging labels and advertising materials include the message, "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration" or something similar. Because supplements are not regulated, the manufacturing, processing, and packaging methods can vary a great deal from one product to another. When using supplements, be sure to research the company and choose a reputable supplier. The safety of supplements may also be unknown due to the lack of regulation. Again, careful shopping is necessary and this is where a Health Coach is invaluable.
Many producers and users of supplements claim that they are safe because they are natural or made from "all natural" ingredients. While this may seem like a logical claim, consumers must use their best judgment when considering the use of supplements. Many substances found in nature are not safe, and are in fact toxic, poisonous, and even deadly. After all, poison ivy is "all natural," but you likely won't want to rub it all over your skin, even if a great sales pitch tried to convince you that it's the best moisturizer around.
Some nutritional supplements can be useful and aid your health. Just as with any consumable, careful shopping and research is essential to your good health.
If a claim seems too good to be true, it likely is. Be aware of product pitches and use good judgment before purchasing and using any nutritional supplements.
Buy supplements from a reputable company and manufacturer, and when in doubt, consult your functional medicine or naturopathic doctor before beginning a supplement routine.
As an Integrative Nutrition Gut & Hormone Health Coach when it comes to supplementing my general recommendation for my clients is to start with nutrition, sleep, movement, and mindfulness BEFORE supplements.
I support you in navigating the supplemental landscape in many ways, by:
📍empowering you to be informed so you can act in your own best interests
📍helping you make sense of the confusing information out here
📍increasing awareness of possible contraindications [e.g. interactions with medications]
📍providing basic education and guidance based on the latest research
📍remembering the importance of rule #1 BIO-INDIVIDUALITY #iinweinventedhealthcoaching
📍suggesting you consult with your functional medicine or naturopathic doctor to explore options
Remember, supplements do not exist to replace a healthy diet; they exist to complement it.
ACTION STEP: If you’re curious about how health coaching can revolutionize your life, let’s connect! Schedule a ‘Your Health is Your Wealth’ consultation with me today. Not for you? No problem! Pass this offer on to someone you care about and let’s spread the health together!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized “roadmap to health” that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals.
Learn more about my training and my unique approach to health coaching.
DISCLAIMER:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Kryshonda Torres is not a physician and the relationship between Kryshonda and her clients is not of a prescriber and patient, but as Health Coach and client.
It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Kryshonda presents.
OT&E Inc. and Kryshonda Torres cannot guarantee any specific outcome and your individual results may vary.
Before beginning or adding any named supplement to your health routine or regime, please consult with your Naturopathic or Functional Medicine Doctor.