Considerations for Starting a Supplement
factors you should take into consideration before starting a supplement:
The supplement you decide to take should be based on blood work and recommended by your doctor. Taking supplements you don’t need to take can do more harm than good. Supplements are extremely bio-individual, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Always start with a “Food First” approach. Address any nutrient deficiencies with food before you turn to supplements or other medications.
The dosage of the supplement should also be given by your doctor. The wrong dosage can do more harm than good. Also, some supplements need to be cycled, meaning you don’t take them every day indefinitely, but rather, they are meant to be taken in an on-again-off-again pattern. Lastly, sometimes a lower dose is more effective than a higher dose. All reasons why it’s important to clarify with your trusted medical professional.
Take into consideration other medications and supplements you are currently taking to prevent any cross-reactive issues with new supplements. It might be beneficial to try one supplement on it’s own, without taking any other supplements, to see how you react to it before incorporating it into your regimen.
The supplement industry is not strictly regulated, so ensure you are sourcing your supplements from reputable brands with high-quality ingredients.
Don’t get “influenced” when it comes to supplements. Do not buy something just because you see it on Instagram. Keep in mind the promoter is trying to make money and may not even take it themselves. More importantly, your body is not the same as their body, so you may not need it, or you may react very differently.
If you’re trying to figure out where to start, ask yourself these 3 questions:
How is my sleep?
How is my diet?
What is my budget?
The answers to these questions serve as a good guide as to what supplement(s) you may benefit from.
