Your Guide to Safe Supplements: What Every Consumer Should Know

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend! I was immersed in the joy of a beautiful family wedding, with a house full of family and out-of-town guests. It was a weekend filled with warmth, love, and laughter, reminding me of the strong connection between joyful moments, community, and overall wellbeing. Be sure to prioritize embracing more of these moments in your life!

Today Let's Focus on?Supplements...

???Quality Does Matter!

In a perfect world, we would get all the nutrients our bodies need from food. However, modern life has made this increasingly difficult. Factors like depleted soil, long-distance transportation, the effects of medications and aging can all impact the nutritional value of the food we eat. Additionally, the supplement market is flooded with unsubstantiated claims, quality issues, fakes, and harmful ingredients. As a trusted advocate for your health and wellness, I am dedicated to helping you navigate these challenges. Let's explore.

???Why Supplements Are Important

In today's fast-paced world, it can be challenging to get all the nutrients your body needs from diet alone. Modern agricultural practices, long-distance food transportation, and lifestyle factors significantly impact the nutritional value of our food. Here's why taking supplements is essential.

?? Depleted Soil and Industrial Farming

Industrial farming techniques have led to significant soil depletion, reducing essential minerals and vitamins in crops. Studies confirm that continuous cultivation without giving soil time to rest prevents nutrient buildup, which lowers the nutrient content of our fruits and vegetables.?

?? Long-Distance Transportation?

Foods often travel long distances, leading to nutrient loss, especially vitamins C and E, during transportation and storage. The USDA confirms that nutrient degradation occurs in these processes.

?? Medications and Age?

Many medications can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients. For instance, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid reflux reduce vitamin B12 levels. Other medications deplete a range of vitamins and minerals. And, as we age, nutrient absorption decreases, typically starting around age 50. Lower stomach acid levels and changes in digestive enzymes reduce absorption of vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and magnesium, leading to potential deficiencies that impact overall health

?? Nutrient Gaps?

Even with a healthy diet, meeting all nutritional needs can be challenging. Supplements help fill these gaps, ensuring your body gets the essential vitamins and minerals needed to support important bodily functions, boost immune health, and maintain overall well-being. These needs increase with age due to diminishing absorption.

???Ingredients to Avoid in Supplements

???Artificial Additives.?Artificial colors and sweeteners?are often used to make supplements more appealing, but they can cause allergic reactions and other health issues.

???Magnesium Stearate.?This flow agent (an additive used in supplements to prevent clumping and ensure smooth processing during manufacturing)?can hinder the absorption of nutrients and potentially damage your gut lining.

???Titanium Dioxide.?Used in supplements to improve their appearance by making tablets, capsules, and powders look more uniform and appealing, it can cause inflammation and has been linked to various health problems, including potential carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects.

???Heavy Metals

Cadmium, Lead, Arsenic, Mercury... The Toxic Four

?? Cadmium.?Long-term exposure can lead to cancer & damage to kidneys, bones, lungs. ?? Lead.?Even trace amounts can harm the brain & nervous system, especially in vulnerable populations. Small exposures add up! I had an issue with toxic levels of lead that literally made me pass out each afternoon. I did an extensive detox which resolved my problem! ?? Arsenic.?Chronic exposure to arsenic is linked to skin changes, liver and kidney damage, and blood cell deficiencies. In supplements, arsenic contamination typically arises from environmental pollution absorbed by the plants used in these lower quality products. ?? Mercury.?Known for its neurotoxic effects, mercury exposure can damage the nervous system.

???Hydrogenated Oils.?Soybean Oil, Palm Oil

?? Partially Hydrogenated Oils?contain trans fats, which increase the risk of heart disease by raising bad cholesterol levels and other chronic conditions.

???Talc & Magnesium Silicate

???Magnesium Silicate,?commonly known as talc,?is used in supplements to prevent clumping and improve powder flow. However, it can be contaminated with asbestos, a carcinogen linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma. This contamination occurs because talc and asbestos naturally co-occur in the earth and can mix during mining. Choose supplements from reputable sources that use "USP" grade talc to ensure it is asbestos-free.

???Titanium Dioxide

?? Used in supplements for whitening and stability to create a uniform appearance. It poses health risks by altering the gut microbiome, causing inflammation, and it can lead to tumor formation due to DNA damage. These concerns have led the European Food Safety Authority to ban its use in food products.

???Pesticides & Herbicides. Organophosphates, Glyphosate, Atrazine

?? Glyphosate.?Common in products like Roundup, which is linked to cancer and other health issues. Beware of GMOs which are genetically altered to withstand being sprayed with weed killers and insecticides that you wind up eating! ?? Would you spray Roundup in your mouth?!?

???Phthalates

?? Found in coatings of tablets and capsules, these chemicals disrupt the endocrine system and can harm reproductive health.

???Preservatives.?Parabens, Propylene Glycol

?? Parabens.?These synthetic preservatives can mimic hormones, leading to imbalances and potential accelerated aging.

?? Propylene Glycol.?While it helps preserve supplements, high levels can pose health risks. Keep in mind, even small levels add up! Health is cumulative.?

???Allergens.?Dairy, Gluten, Soy, Nuts

?? Dairy and Gluten.?Supplements containing dairy and gluten can cause adverse reactions like bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in sensitive individuals. Gluten can trigger celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, leading to digestive issues and other health problems. Choose supplements labeled gluten-free and dairy-free to avoid these issues. ?? Soy and Nuts?are common allergens found in some supplements. Even trace amounts can cause reactions, ranging from hives and cramps to breathing difficulty and severe anaphylaxis. Opt for supplements that are free of these allergens if you have sensitivities.

???Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

?? Often used in crops like corn and soy, GMOs can have unknown long-term health effects and may impact your gut health. It is no longer genetically what it was before alterations!

How to Avoid Harmful Ingredients

?? Don’t Fall for Greenwashing.?Look beyond marketing claims like "natural" or "free of dyes" and check for independent certifications like USDA Certified Organic and USP. ?? Read Supplement Labels Closely.?Ensure transparency and avoid products that do not fully disclose their ingredients like "proprietary blends."? ?? Choose USDA Certified Organic which?ensures the product is free from synthetic ingredients, heavy metals, and GMOs, providing a higher standard of safety.

Be vigilant about supplement ingredients to protect your health. Choose products with trusted certifications and transparent labeling to avoid harmful substances.

?? Buyer Beware: Counterfeit Supplements on Amazon and Beyond! ??

Investing in high-quality supplements is essential for your health. Unfortunately, the rise of counterfeit products on platforms like Amazon poses a significant risk. Here are recent examples:?

• ?? November 2023:?A lawsuit was filed against several parties for selling counterfeit Prevagen on Amazon.
• ?? September 2023:?Counterfeit versions of Pure Encapsulations L-glutamine and NatureMD’s GutConnect 365 were discovered being sold on Amazon.
• ?? August 2023:?Fake Bausch + Lomb’s PreserVision AREDS 2 Eye Vitamin & Mineral supplements were found on Amazon.
• ?? April 2023:?NOW Foods and Fungi Perfecti reported counterfeit versions of their products on Amazon. Fungi Perfecti identified 23 sellers offering fake Host Defense supplements, and NOW Foods found 11 counterfeit items from a single seller.

These incidents highlight the importance of purchasing supplements from trusted sources. Platforms like Fullscript ensure you receive genuine, quality products recommended by health professionals.?

???The Case of Prevagen. Prevagen is a prime example of a supplement marketed with grandiose claims but delivering little in return. Marketed as a memory-enhancing supplement, Prevagen's advertisements suggest it can significantly improve cognitive function. Multiple studies and legal actions have questioned these claims, indicating that the evidence supporting Prevagen's effectiveness is weak at best.

Similarly, many weight loss supplements make bold promises about rapid weight loss without providing substantial evidence or addressing the underlying causes of weight gain. Unlike established brands like Pure Encapsulations and Thorne, for instance, which focus on evidence-based formulations and transparency, these companies often prioritize marketing over efficacy.

???Protect Your Health and Investment

It’s essential to source your supplements from reliable and trusted providers like Fullscript, a reputable platform offering high-quality supplements directly from manufacturers and only sold through medical professionals. Fullscript ensures all supplements meet stringent quality standards. I personally use and trust Fullscript for their commitment to quality, incredible customer service and transparency.

They provide a wide selection of top professional brands available only through approved healthcare providers like me.

????Special Reader Bonus. Need supplement advice or products?

Sign up for a free account on my Wellness Evolution Fullscript Online Natural Pharmacy and get 15% off all purchases. You can also schedule a complimentary 20-Minute Smart Supplementation Review with me.

Save time and money while ensuring you're investing in the best products for your health. Stay informed and choose wisely to support your health without unintended risks.

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Wishing You Wellness!?????

Gloria

Gloria Treister, HHP

Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Advanced Physical Fitness Specialist, EMCC Certified Executive & Business Coach AUTHOR: "Wellness 101: Simple Steps to Good Health "

???PS: Please keep an eye out for the upcoming Crowdfundr campaign for my book,?Wellness 101. In it, I've devoted a chapter to supplements, providing valuable information on the nutrients you may need to address various health conditions. This resource will help you take a personalized approach to filling your nutritional gaps. Your support means the world to me. Thank you! ???? ??