Over Supplementation: Too Much Of A Good Thing?

Over Supplementation

An emphasis on health and wellness is increasing in online communities. As a result, supplement manufacturers increasingly market new supplements to consumers daily.  It’s becoming increasingly common for online influencers to create their own supplement brands and sell their products directly to consumers. While this may initially seem like a good idea, as it increases access to supplements, there are also several downsides. Many times, these supplements do not contain the correct ingredients or include them in doses below the therapeutic limit. So, you may not be maximizing the full potential of the supplement, and you may be wasting your money.

Does ‘natural’ equal ‘safe’?

One of the statements that I often hear in my office is ‘If it’s natural, it can’t possibly hurt me’. I want to help clear up this misconception. Just because something is natural, it does not mean that it is safe or that you can take any quantity without concern, as it may have side effects. 

Our naturopathic doctors have extensive training in botanical and herbal medicine. We understand which herbs our patients should use in low doses and which are safer to consume in larger quantities. We are also proficient in pharmacology. This means we can assess which herbs may be safe or unsafe in combination with each other or with certain prescription medications you may be taking. 

There is also a misconception that you cannot take too many vitamins, but this is also untrue. Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D are a few examples of vitamins that providers commonly recommend. Still, practitioners should recommend them and monitor them carefully, as they can have adverse effects when taken in excessive doses for prolonged periods. 

How many supplements are too many?

It is common for someone to come into my office for the first time with a lengthy list of supplements. They’ll often have started these on their own, based on their own research or recommendations from previous providers. There is a time and place for specific vitamins and nutritional supplements, but we should be cautious about the quantities we put into our bodies. I always strive to be as effective as possible with the fewest amount of supplements possible to help reduce additional stress and strain on the body. 

It is also important to remember that supplementation cannot compensate for poor lifestyle habits, whether that be poor dietary habits or a lack of exercise. There are many cases where someone may be unable to adhere to a whole-foods diet or may struggle to get adequate daily movement. In these instances, additional supplementation is necessary to ensure the body is fully supported. However, for someone who focuses on a clean, nutrient-dense diet and exercises daily, we should aim to get as much as possible from our diet and rely less on supplemental interventions. 

How RNM Can Help

Curious about which supplements are right for you?

Overwhelmed with the amount of information available online?

Tired of being bombarded with new supplements to try every time you open up your social media apps?

Are you taking multiple supplements, but aren’t sure why you are taking them or if they are even helping?

Suppose you answered yes to any of these questions. In that case, it’s time to call Richmond Natural Medicine and schedule an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors to help get to the root of your concerns, see how we can optimize your supplements, and see what other lifestyle changes we can help you be successful with to ensure you are on the journey to optimal health.