3 min|Dr. Maya Kuczma

4 Reasons Why Supplements Might Be Essential for You

Wellness, Health

Are you considering adding supplements to your daily routine but unsure if they are truly necessary?

Supplement recommendations are everywhere. Walk into a grocery store or health food store, and you may feel overwhelmed with the choices, while simultaneously feeling lured into buying products based on sleek packaging and broad promises. All of this may leave you wondering - do I need supplements?

At Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre, we understand the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to your health. In our latest blog post, we delve into the topic, exploring four compelling reasons why you may need to take supplements.

In a perfect world, we would be able to get everything we need from the food we eat. However, there are multiple factors working against us that lead to most of us needing some form of supplementation during our lifetime.

1. Not eating enough of the good stuff

Nutrient depletion is incredibly common in the Western world, even in the face of excess caloric intake. (1) A plate full of ultra-processed foods consists mostly of nutrient-depleted foods, while also taking the place of healthier, nutrient-dense options. If your diet doesn’t consist of mostly nutrient-rich foods, such as fruit, vegetables, and animal proteins, you may need to supplement.

2. The good stuff… ain't what it used to be

Levels of nutrients within soil are decreasing worldwide due to industrialized agricultural practices. (2) It’s likely that efforts to improve size, growth, and resistance to bugs within crops, has led to a trade-off between yield and nutrient content. (3) This means we no longer get the same bang for our buck when it comes to eating nutritious food.

3. Inflamed, upset gut

Many gut conditions can interfere with our ability to absorb the nutrients we need. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), celiac disease, food sensitivities and food allergies, intestinal inflammation, and decreased stomach acid can decrease nutrient absorption, and lead to malnourishment, even if we eat a healthy diet. (4,5,6,7,8)

4. Side effects of common medications

Many common medications, such as oral contraceptives, statins, corticosteroids, some antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can deplete nutrients in the body or directly interfere with nutrient absorption. Using these medications, especially long-term, can raise our requirements for nutrients; these increased requirements cannot always be met through diet alone.

Conclusion

The decision to incorporate supplements into your daily routine should be based on individual needs and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It's clear that supplements can serve as valuable tools in filling nutritional gaps, supporting specific health conditions, promoting overall wellness, and enhancing vitality. However, it is crucial to remember that supplements should complement a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, rather than replace them.

At Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre, we are here to support you in making informed choices about your health. Consult with our knowledgeable team to determine which supplements are right for you and ensure that you are on the path towards optimal well-being. Remember, your health is a lifelong journey, and by harnessing the power of supplements when necessary, you can take proactive steps towards achieving and maintaining vibrant health.

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