What the Supp?! Unlocking the Power of Supplements: Are They Effective, and How to Choose the Right Ones

Do supplements really make a difference, and how to know which ones I need to take?

Let's just get this out in the open. Supplements are not the end-all-be-all. You will hear me say this a lot, and it applies here like it does to so many scenerios... there is no such thing as free lunch. Supplements will not fix a crappy diet, a lack of movement, dismal sleep or a constantly stressed system. Supplements are just that... supplemental. And, they can be an incredibly powerful addition when personalized and dosed appropriately. 

So, what if you're doing all the right things? And you want to add some supplements to benefit your body? Well, I'd recommend avoiding a google or social media search. There are countless  blogs, articles, and influencer videos swearing by the magic supplement that will make all your problems disappear. At best, this is not personalized to your unique data so it is likely irrelevant. At worst, it's propaganda or complete misinformation. 

Today, we can practice what I like to call "N of 1 medicine". This means, medicine tested for and based on YOU and your data. This is as compared to other times in history (and still currently, by most practitioners), population medicine is being practiced. Meaning, decisions are based on what evidence has shown for the population as a whole, rather than for you specifically. Medical evidence is incredible, and so useful in so many scenarios. But tell me.... if you are someone with a vitamin D of 10, and 3 genetic SNPs that show your poor ability to absorb vitamin D, does it makes sense for you to be on the same dose as your neighbor with a Vitamin D of 60 and normal Vitamin D genetics? No, these individuals should be treated quite differently. I could give examples for days. But this is precision medicine in motion, this is N of 1 Medicine. 

Below are some rules of thumb when considering supplements...

• Test, test, test! Ask your provider to run your lab levels, and consider genetics as well. Then you'll know which supplements your body needs (and can use). 
• Buy third-party tested brands. Otherwise, you have no way of knowing what is in the pill you are taking. You risk contamination with toxins or heavy metals, as well as just not getting what you paid for. Personally, I largely use Thorne. Feel free to use my discount here.
• Then retest your values. This is the only way to know if the dose of the supplement is appropriate. Typically, I recommend retesting within 2-3 months after starting a supplement protocol, and until the appropriate value is obtained. Once we have achieved the goal value, I typically space labs to every 6-12 months, depending on the individual. 

Be your own advocate, y'all! And let me know if you need any support, I'd love to help.

As always, thanks for listening. 

Doctor Erin