Your Essential Health Supplement Handbook

Dearest Wellness Warriors,

In today’s market, health food supplements are among the hottest selling products, with billions of dollars spent annually in the U.S. alone. Recent surveys reveal that more than half of U.S. adults consume these supplements in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, soft gels, gel caps, and liquids.

The surge in supplement consumption is largely due to increased public awareness of health issues and an improved standard of living. Numerous studies have shown a close correlation between health and nutrition. A lack of essential nutrients can weaken our body’s defense mechanisms, leading to a range of health problems from common ailments to more severe illnesses over time.

Types of Health Supplements

There are several types of health supplements, each serving unique functions in our bodies:

• Macronutrients: Amino acids, proteins, and essential fatty acids.
• Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals.
• Enzymes: Digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes.
• Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria for gut health.
• Herbal Supplements: Various herbs that support different bodily functions.

These supplements are vital for life and good health, modulating our immune system, aiding liver detoxification, improving digestion, enhancing mental clarity, and more.

The Debate on Supplements

Some argue that a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet eliminate the need for supplements. While this is ideal, maintaining such a lifestyle is challenging for many. Over the past few decades, farming practices have changed significantly due to the green revolution. Increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has depleted soil nutrients and beneficial soil bacteria, resulting in produce with fewer micronutrients.

Additionally, our modern lifestyle—characterized by stress, poor eating habits, imbalanced diets, and exposure to environmental pollutants, pesticides, drugs, hormones, and heavy metals—gradually weakens our bodies.

Choosing Quality Supplements

While supplements can be beneficial, it’s crucial to choose products carefully. Currently, there is little regulation on the quality of health supplements. Some products may not match their label claims, and the quality of raw materials and finished products is not always guaranteed. Therefore, it’s essential to buy from reputable manufacturers, read labels carefully, and stay informed through related literature.

General Rules for Buying Supplements

1. Whole Foods and Natural Sources: Supplements made from whole foods and natural sources are better than synthetic ones. They are more bioactive, readily absorbed, and less likely to be contaminated by chemicals.
2. Protein-Bonded Vitamins and Minerals: These are more bioactive than their inorganic counterparts.
3. Safe Extraction Methods: Choose supplements extracted using safe methods like cold-pressed or supercritical extraction to avoid harmful residues.
4. Herbal Concentrates and Extracts: These are usually more effective than raw herbs.
5. Organic or Wild-Crafted Herbs: These are less likely to be contaminated by heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals.
6. Read the Labels: Always read the labels and do not consume more than the recommended dose.
7. Caution with Certain Herbs: Be careful when consuming certain herbal supplements, such as Ma Huang (ephedra), Kava Kava, and comfrey. Some studies have shown that these herbs may cause severe side effects in some people. Stop use if unusual signs appear after consumption.
8. Drug Interactions: Some health food supplements may interact with medications, either by decreasing or increasing their effects. Consult your doctor if you are currently taking medications.
9. Special Populations: Pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with specific medical conditions, should consult their doctors before consuming health food supplements.
10. Seek Information: If in doubt, contact the supplement manufacturers or distributors for more information about their products.
11. Smart Shopping: Health food supplements are available in many places, such as grocery stores, health food stores, drug stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, department stores, and online stores. Be a smart consumer—compare prices and services before making a purchase.

As an Integrative Nutrition Gut & Hormone Health Coach?when it comes to supplementing my general recommendation for my clients is to start with nutrition, sleep, movement, and mindfulness BEFORE supplements.

?I support you in navigating the supplemental landscape in many ways, by:

??empowering you to be informed so you can act in your own best interests

??helping you make sense of the confusing information out here

??increasing awareness of possible contraindications [e.g. interactions with medications]

??providing basic education and guidance based on the latest research

??remembering the importance of rule #1 BIO-INDIVIDUALITY #iinweinventedhealthcoaching

??suggesting you consult with your functional medicine or naturopathic doctor to explore options

?Remember, supplements exist to complement a healthy not to replace it.

ACTION STEP: If you’re curious about how my health coaching can revolutionize your life, let’s connect! Schedule a ‘Your Health is Your Wealth’ consultation with me today. Not for you? No problem! Pass this offer on to someone you care about and let’s spread the health together!

??

https://bit.ly/callwithkryshonda

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I received my training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where I learned about more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods. Drawing on this knowledge, I will help you create a completely personalized “roadmap to health” that suits your unique body, lifestyle, preferences, and goals.

Learn more about my training and my unique approach to health coaching.

DISCLAIMER:

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.

Kryshonda Torres is not a physician and the relationship between Kryshonda and her clients is not of a prescriber and patient, but as Health Coach and client.?