SUPPLEMENTS; WHICH ONES DO I REALLY NEED?
In short.... None!
Our bodies are pretty darn incredible in their ability to carry us through life. They're constantly striving for homeostasis, or balance. They will do everything they can to keep us there. But sometimes our actions, food choices and lifestyles, impede this ability.
Sometimes, we're exposed to things (intentional or not) that slow down our bodies ability to maintain homeostasis. Or if you're inclined to consider the spiritual side of health; sometimes we have karmas or pattern-ings we need to work through. Sometimes our mental or emotional body tells us we just need to rest! And so, we get sick.
I always try and impress upon my clients the idea that illness is not a bad thing in and of itself. It's our bodies way of detoxifying and healing. It's when we're getting sick often or we're struggling to bounce back, that we want to investigate a bit deeper, and tap into some tools to support ourselves through the process.
Supplements (and medication) can certainly have their place in supporting our body to heal and recover from illness. However there are very few things I recommend to people to consume on a regular basis.
The vast majority of supplements on the market are synthetic in nature, meaning they're man made in a lab to mimic the actions of something we used to get from food (or our environment). These synthetic versions consumed daily, can be highly toxic to the liver, and create their own list of symptoms and side effects.
There are some synthetic supplements I recommend to clients for a short period of time when necessary. However, for the most part, there is very little we can't get from our food or high quality food based supplements, so long as our digestive system is functioning adequately. If it's not, then the best approach is usually to tackle that instead.
Below is a list of some of the most commonly reached for and requested supplements, and my recommendations for high quality alternatives that are food based, highly bioavailable, and well researched.
For situations where you are deficient in something and need short term supplementation, I highly recommend a chat with an integrative health practitioner, nutritionist, or naturopath, to determine which one is right for you. This especially applies to those experiencing digestive issues that may impede your ability to digest and assimilate the nutrients from these foods.
Here's to supporting our bodies natural ability to thrive!
Annabel
Disclaimer:
Please note the information in this article has been produced by drawing on my background, training, skills, and life experiences, as a qualified Naturopath and Ayurvedic Health Consultant. I am not a Medical Doctor, and this content is not intended to diagnose or treat any diseases. It is intended for informational, educational, and self-empowerment purposes ONLY.
Want to get in touch? Here's where you'll find me!
Annabel Cooney,
The Vedic Naturopath
(B.Hsc Naturopathy | Ayurvedic Diet & Lifestyle Consultant | Yoga Teacher)
Instagram: annabelcooney.naturopathy
www.annabelcooney.com