What Supplements Should I Be Taking? How to Find Out What Nutrients Your Body Needs Now and Long-Term

“What supplements should I be taking?” In our age of the Internet, where there is no shortage of information (both reliable and otherwise) about supplements, it can be difficult to determine which ones are right for you – and whether you should be taking supplements in the first place. There’s no denying that supplements can work wonders for people who have certain health conditions or biological needs. With that said, supplements are also not a replacement for a healthy diet. Today, we’re going over the best ways you can make sure your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs, both naturally and via supplements when necessary.

The Number-one Priority

If you’re concerned about making sure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need, your top priority should be consuming a healthy diet that’s rich in plants and whole foods. No amount of supplements can replace a consistently healthy diet. Though your dietary needs will vary slightly depending on your medical history and conditions, the most important rules of thumb when it comes to diet are as follows:

Making sure that you are consuming enough macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) daily.
Minimizing the amount of processed foods you consume, especially those containing trans fats, high added sugars, or excessive sodium and oil.
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily while minimizing the amount of high-sugar drinks, like soda and artificial juice, you consume.
Listening to your body by eating when you’re hungry and finishing when you’re full.
Getting most of your nutrients from plants, lean meats, legumes, and other whole foods.

For the most part, it’s normal to indulge. Enjoy a glass of wine or a piece of cake every so often, unless your physician has advised you otherwise. With that said, creating and maintaining a habit of consuming foods that are high in nutrients is the best way to make sure your body gets the best sustenance as naturally as possible.

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What’s the Deal with Supplements?

Supplements are made to fill in the gaps that your diet may leave behind. The size and urgency of those gaps varies greatly from person to person. For example, individuals with certain medical conditions may require supplements that others do not. One of the most common examples of this is with iron deficiency. Those who are iron deficient often need an iron supplement. However, in those who have adequate or high iron stores, taking additional iron can be harmful. In addition, people who live in cold climates and don’t get too much sunlight tend to experience vitamin D deficiencies and may need to take a supplement. Even people who live in warmer climates are often deficient in the sunshine vitamin, so it is important to have your blood levels checked.

Most nutrients are water soluble and are simply excreted by the body if taken in excess. However, some nutrients like fat soluble vitamins can have adverse effects if too much is taken consistently. This is why the best thing you can do if you’re curious about taking supplements is to talk to your physician. Depending on your medical history, diet, allergies, current symptoms, and goals for the future, your doctor can help you come up with a customized supplement regimen that fits your specific conditions and goals. Meeting with a concierge doctor who can not only map out a supplement regimen for you, but who can periodically check in and modify this regimen as needed, is the ultimate way to make sure your nutrition is as well-rounded as possible in the long term.

“What supplements should I be taking?” is a harder question to answer than meets the eye, but getting a supplement plan that works great for you doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Simply talk to a doctor about what are the best options for you depending on your unique health profile. To schedule a consultation with a concierge physician, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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What Supplements Should I Be Taking? How to Find Out What Nutrients Your Body Needs Now and Long-Term

The Number-one Priority

Schedule a Free Consultation

What’s the Deal with Supplements?

Is it a Just Mole or Cancer? Why it’s Good to Be Cautious

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