What You Need to Know About Taking Supplements

If you’re focused on your health, it’s likely that you’re taking—or have taken—supplements. 

The supplement industry is rapidly growing, and there are tens of thousands of nutrients, extracts, herbs, probiotics and more you can choose from. But which supplements should you be taking? How do you know which products to trust? And should you be taking supplements at all?

If you’ve ever asked these questions, you’re not alone. Supplements are confusing! In this blog, Dr. Morrison shares his insights on how to navigate the noise and make the right choices for you.

Why take supplements?

Many people take supplements without considering why. There are numerous reasons, but generally they boil down to just two: targeting a disease process, or health optimization.

As our patients know, specialized supplement protocols used under the guidance of a qualified professional can be a vital part of natural healing from chronic conditions. When taken correctly, guided by functional lab testing, many natural remedies can help activate the body’s innate ability to heal and restore balance.

On the other hand, when we’re generally healthy, the right supplements can play a helpful role in keeping us that way or enhancing our performance. For example, our Immune Defenders can provide a seasonal immunity boost for optimal wellness during the colder months. (Check out our recent blog for a complete guide!)

Active healing interventions may involve potent formulas which, in most cases, should only be used as recommended by a healthcare provider. Don’t attempt to treat yourself—if you need support with your chronic condition, speak with an integrative doctor or call our office to schedule an appointment with one of our expert clinicians.

Who should (and shouldn’t) take supplements?

Stressors and toxins are abundant in our modern world. Anyone interested supporting their health and buffering these harmful influences can benefit from a boost from the right supplements.

However, supplements should never be a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Not even the best formulations can substitute for a wholesome diet, physical activity, and mind-body stress reduction. (If you need support with your healthy lifestyle routines, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our expert nutritionists!)

Furthermore, it’s important to know that some supplements, including herbs and vitamins, can interact with some medications. People who are on numerous prescriptions, pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking chemotherapy, as well as children, should not take supplements without the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

How to select supplements

Nonetheless, the truth is many of us are doing the best we can and could still use a little help. You want to get the right supplement supports, but the choices can be overwhelming. Not only are there endless varieties, but quality can vary dramatically. Many herbs may be contaminated with heavy metals, and many nutraceuticals don’t contain the potencies they claim to. It can be hard to know what sources are truly reliable. 

That’s why we created Daily Benefit—to provide you with third-party tested, research-backed products, carefully curated by Dr. Morrison across two decades of clinical experience. These are the same supplements we give to our patients and our families, because we’ve seen the results. It’s quality you can trust, from people you can trust. Check out our comprehensive selection.

To help select the right supplements for you, functional lab testing is the best way to find out exactly what your body needs. Call us to schedule your appointment today!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.