Supplements - why?

Supplements can play a significant role in supporting overall health and wellness for various reasons. They serve as a convenient means to enhance nutrient intake, especially when dietary sources may be insufficient. Many individuals struggle to consume the recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals through food alone due to lifestyle, dietary restrictions, or increased nutritional needs.

Certain supplements are designed to fill these gaps. For example, individuals following a vegan or vegetarian diet may require Vitamin B12 supplements, as this nutrient is primarily found in animal products. Additionally, specific life stages or conditions, such as pregnancy or menopause, can necessitate higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals, making supplementation beneficial.

Athletes and active individuals may also turn to supplements to aid in performance and recovery. Amino acids, creatine, and protein powders are commonly used to support muscle growth, repair, and overall energy levels.

Furthermore, supplements may provide a convenient way to deliver health benefits for specific ailments or concerns. Omega-3 fatty acids, for instance, are often taken for heart health, while probiotics are utilized for digestive wellness.

It is essential to approach supplementation with caution and seek professional guidance when needed. Over-supplementation can lead to adverse effects or interactions with medications. Therefore, understanding individual health needs and consulting with healthcare providers can ensure that the right supplements are chosen to support a balanced and healthful lifestyle and play a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellness. They serve as a convenient way to fill dietary gaps and ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients.

Nutrient Deficiency: Many individuals may not consume a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs. Supplements can help bridge gaps in vitamins and minerals, particularly in populations with higher nutritional requirements or those with restricted diets.
Enhanced Well-being: Certain supplements can support specific health goals, such as boosting energy levels, improving immune function, or enhancing mental clarity. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are known for their heart health benefits, while vitamin D can support bone health and immune function.
Preventive Health: Regular supplementation can aid in disease prevention. Some studies suggest that certain vitamins and minerals, like vitamins A, C, E, and various B vitamins, may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Support During Life Changes: Life stages such as pregnancy, menopause, or aging may increase nutritional needs. Supplements can provide the necessary nutrients that may be harder to obtain from food alone during these times.
Performance Enhancement: Athletes and individuals engaged in regular physical activity may require additional nutrients to support recovery and performance. Supplements like protein powders or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can assist in muscle repair and energy production.
Customized Nutrition: With various formulations available, supplements can be tailored to an individual's specific health concerns and goals, whether it's weight management, digestive health, or cognitive function.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and does not interfere with any existing medical conditions or medications.

Are all supplements equal?

When selecting a good supplement, I consider the following factors:

Identify Your Needs: Understand the specific health goals you want to achieve, whether it’s improving general wellness, boosting energy, or supporting a particular health condition.
Research Ingredients: Look for ingredients that are scientifically supported. Familiarize yourself with the benefits and potential side effects of each ingredient.
Check for Quality Assurance: Choose supplements that have been tested for quality and purity. Look for third-party certifications from organizations such as USP, NSF International, or ConsumerLab.
Read Labels Carefully: Pay attention to the supplement facts panel. Ensure it provides clear information on the active ingredients, dosage, serving size, and any additional fillers or binders.
Consider Bioavailability: Select supplements that are well-absorbed by the body. Some forms of vitamins and minerals are more easily absorbed than others.
Avoid Unsupported Claims: Be wary of products that make unrealistic promises or claims, such as quick fixes or miraculous results. Supplements should complement a healthy diet and lifestyle, not replace them.
Cost vs. Value: While price can be a factor, it’s important to assess whether a higher price corresponds to better quality or effectiveness rather than simply being a premium brand.

Good news? I’ve done the legwork….

Here’s my list..

Amarasate - Calocurb Amarasate or Thorne Berberine. Both natural GLP-1 stimulants. This is important for appetite regulation, inflammation reduction, immune support and brain health
FiberMend by Thorne - fiber is important for weight management, gut health, inflammation reduction and immune support
MegaSporeBiotic - probiotics are important for your gut - which basically is the building block for overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, not all probiotics are created the same. This probiotic is developed in a spore which gets the bacteria to the gut where is belongs.
Collagen Plus by Thorne - Again, not all collagen is absorbed - this is one you want to be picky about. Collagen helps with hair, skin, bones, heart - and this one tastes amazing and has nicotinamide (a powerful anti-aging supplement)
ResveraCel by Thorne - Mitochondrial health is the backbone of aging. Nicotinamide and Resversatrol should be in everyone’s daily regimen.
Daily Greens Plus - immune, longevity and adrenal support. Powerful antioxidants and adaptogens to help combat external and internal toxins as well as helps balance cortisol and stress. I mix this with my collagen.
Vit D/K liquid by Thorne - bioavailable. no taste. Basically all (well most) of my patients are deficient. Get your sun - and get this.
Super EPA by Thorne - Omega 3’s , well - they are good for everything - brain, heart, skin, bones.
Magnesium Glycinate Powder - Take at night for sleep, muscle recovery, heart health, constipation and migraines.
Creatine - Muscle is Longevity.
Bonus ? Grab a multivitamin - I like Thorne 2x/day.

Want to order from my list or compile your own? Visit my fullscript site:

Fullscript

or directly to my plan: PLAN

I’m an ob/gyn with a focus in integrative medicine. These recommendations are compiled from the menopause society, a4m longevity conference and gut microbiome studies. … Dr. Whitney Mascorro