The Truth About Supplements: Taking or Not Taking?

The eternal question: are supplements worth it? Let's dive into the world of nutritional supplements and discover why people embrace them and why others are reluctant. You make your own choice in this, and the more info you have, the better choices you can make for your own health. 

Why should you WOULD take supplements?

1. Nutrient Replenishment: In our busy lifestyles, we do not always manage to get all the nutrients we need from food. Supplements offer a convenient way to supplement any deficiencies.
2. Improving Specific Health Goals: Some supplements target specific health goals, such as boosting the immune system, promoting mental acuity or supporting sports performance.
3. Prevention of Deficiencies: For certain groups, such as pregnant women or the elderly, supplements can be essential to prevent deficiencies that can lead to health problems.
4. Convenience and Time Savings: Taking a supplement is often faster and more convenient than preparing specific foods to meet your daily needs.
5. You have a chronic illness: 10.2 million Dutch are chronically ill
6. You are on medication: did you know that drugs rob you of your nutrients like magnesium, b vitamins, zinc 
7. You don't just eat organic: Very few people can and do this fully
8. You eat sugars
9. You get chemicals in: every human gets this, chemicals on food, aluminium foil, fillings your mother used to have that were toxic when you were a baby growing in her tummy, toxic deodorant, toothpaste, lipstick, shaving cream, cleaning products in the house, shampoo............. 
10. You regularly experience stress 
11. You are regularly tired 
12. You exercise a lot 
13. You work in an office
14. You drink alcohol occasionally 

Why be reluctant?

1. Natural Foods Enjoy Preference: Some believe that getting nutrients from natural foods is preferable to supplements because foods contain a complex mix of nutrients and fibre.
2. you eat 200 grams of seasonal fruit a day: 13% of the population eat this, and then not even organic and seasonal
3. You eat oily wild fish at least 3x a week: the percentage eating the right fish is minimal, in these quantities barely 
4. You eat more than 250 grams of organic vegetables every day: only 16% of adults eat this in the Netherlands, children even less 
5. You eat the right nuts every day, and amount (15 grams, which only 6% of the Dutch get to)
6. You don't ingest toxins: Really????
7. You exercise in the right balance, sleep is good and don't stress out 
8. You are never tired, weak, sick and/or nauseous
9. Risk of Overdose: With some supplements, there is a risk of overdose, which can be harmful to health. It is crucial to follow the recommended dosage.
10. Quality of Supplements: Not all supplements are of equal quality. Some may contain impurities or fewer active ingredients than listed.

The Golden Middle Way: Sensible Supplement Use

The key to healthy supplement use lies in a balanced approach:

1. Choose Quality: Choose supplements from reliable brands and check independent reviews to ensure quality.
2. Eat Variety: While supplements can help, a varied diet remains the best source of nutrients. Striving for a balanced diet should always be the priority.
3. Be Realistic: Gebruik supplementen als aanvulling, niet als vervanging voor een gezonde levensstijl. Ze zijn geen wondermiddel.
4. Raadpleeg een Professional: Praat met een professional voordat je supplementen toevoegt aan je routine. Ze kunnen je adviseren op basis van je specifieke behoeften.

In de wereld van supplementen is het sleutelwoord ‘evenwicht’. Met zorgvuldige overweging en bewuste keuzes kunnen supplementen een waardevolle aanvulling zijn op jouw streven naar een gezond leven. Onthoud dat gezondheid meer is dan alleen wat je slikt; het omvat je hele levensstijl.

Blijf gezond!