Do You Need To Take Supplements? | Glenda Britton, RHN

As a nutritionist, I believe that food should be your primary source of nutrients, but when nutrient deficiencies occur supplementation helps to kick-start and restore the building blocks the body and brain need to boost energy and improve overall health.

Many people feel that because they eat really well they shouldn’t have to take any supplements. And, perhaps this is true for you? I wish this were the case for all of us…

Unfortunately, a lot of the food available today does not have the same nutrient content it once did. Poor soil, chemicals and pesticides used in growing practices (for livestock and crops) as well as over-processing of foods have left many of us deficient in what we need to thrive. Plus, our fast paced lives, stress, eating processed foods, illness, even a challenging birth experience and other stressors can result in us needing more nutrients.

Why would you have a nutrient deficiency? And, how would you know…?

The following is a list of symptoms that are related to nutrient deficiencies:

1.   Suffering from brain fog, depression, anxiety or ADHD?

Many people don’t realize that our brains need to be fed too… Emotional stress, lack of sleep and just trying to keep up with our busy lives can lead to deficiencies. B vitamins, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Omega 3’s, Zinc and Iron are common when someone is experiencing symptoms relating to brain function.

2.    Brittle bones, nails or dry brittle hair?

Various nutrients are needed to keep bones strong, especially as we age. Minerals such as Magnesium, Calcium, Molybdenum and Zinc as well as Vitamins C, K2 and Biotin are key factors in ensuring strong bones. Dry brittle hair could be a sign of an Omega 3 Fatty Acid deficiency.

3.    Weakened Immune System.

Do you get sick often? Many people do – in fact for many getting quite sick every year is their ‘normal’.

Many years ago, I seemed to pick up every virus and bacteria I was exposed to such as bronchitis, strep throat, the flu, one year I even got the measles! (Yes, I have been vaccinated…)

Nutrients that support immune function include: Probiotics and Prebiotics, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, D, and A as well as minerals such as Iron, Selenium, Zinc and Copper.

4. Imbalanced Hormones (Sluggish Thyroid/PMS/Blood Sugar Issues/Fatigue)

The glands of the endocrine system secrete a variety of hormones to regulate many different bodily functions. It’s best to think of it as a network of glands that work together. This complex system benefits from nutrients such as Complex B Vitamins, Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, selenium, probiotics, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and the anti-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acid GLA (gamma linoleic acid).

There are also adaptogenic herbs (which means they have the ability to raise or lower hormones levels accordingly). They are very popular in Ayurvedic medicine – you may have heard of Ashwaghandha and Shizandra?

5. You’re tired all of the time…

Fatigue has become ‘normal’ for so many of us… This is also a huge part of my story (diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue nearly 10 years ago). Key nutrients to help boost energy are B Vitamins, Omega 3’s, Iron and Protein (Amino Acids).

What to do first….

Make sure you eat a nutrient dense diet, lots of good quality fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates and well-sourced proteins. Adding specialized foods that have been fermented, sprouted and/or some super foods, such as blue/green algae can help give your body a much needed nutrient boost.

When it comes to food…. Quality over Quantity! In the Western World we tend to eat way to much food – Eating small amounts of nutrient dense quality food is the key.

What to do second…

If you believe that you need more nutrients than you’re getting from the food you eat, it’s a good idea to get some advice from someone who has received training in how to prescribe nutritional supplements. Some good health food stores or dispensaries have a nutritionist on staff which can be very helpful when navigating through the wide array of supplement available on the market today.

>>> If you are currently taking any medications or about to undergo a medical procedure ensure to consult with a qualified health care provider before taking any supplements.

Not all supplements are created equal!

Like with everything, you only get what you pay for…You are wasting your money if you choose to purchase cheap supplements. Look and/or ask for ‘Professional Brands’.

I know there’s a lot of info here – if you have a question, don’t hesitate to set up a FREE 20 Minute Consult with me, simply click HERE.

ONE MORE THING…

Here’s one of my favourite energy boosting recipes: