By Marla Finley
Choosing the right supplements for you and your family can be daunting if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Have you ever found yourself staring down shelves of bottles wondering which supplements were the best for you? The endless colored labels and daily value lists leave you feeling overwhelmed and clueless. Here are some questions to ask before the fog sets in:
- Do I need them? If you only wish to address a symptom, then you can go the homeopathic or herbal route. However, if your goal is to get core nutrition that you’re missing from the grocery store, then plant-sourced supplements could be a good fit. Core nutrition contains real foods that nourish, protect and balance your body such as:
- Plant-sourced vitamins and minerals that feed the cells and can be easily absorbed.
- Antioxidants that protect the cells from environmental, physical, and emotional stress.
- Glyconutrients that support the health of your immune system and memory.
- Omega-3 which is terrific for heart and brain.
- Digestive enzymes and probiotics that are crucial for proper absorption of foods.
- Are they safe? Safety is not a given in the supplement industry. Thankfully, more regulations are being implemented but are not yet strictly enforced. Make sure the company operates with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), values research, and has a top-notch quality control department.
- Are they pure? Are artificial sweeteners or colors used? Does the product contain synthetics or fillers? Other ingredients to avoid are starch, corn, wheat, dairy, salt, and artificial preservatives. It can be time consuming and confusing to look at all the labels, so it’s helpful to work with someone who is already well-versed with the products.
- Is there a satisfaction guarantee? If there’s a money back guarantee or exchange policy, then your money is well-spent and you know the company would be out of business if the product didn’t work. An extended guarantee is important since you need to have wellness products in your body anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months to see improvements. Companies that offer a 6-month satisfaction guarantee are the most desirable.
- What kind of support can you receive? If you have direct access to a representative to walk alongside you each step of the way, that’s priceless. Also, is there a live person to talk with in the customer service department? What methods of learning are available should you desire to research more about being proactive with your wellness?
- How do I like to consume them? Do you prefer capsules, powders, chewables or drinks? Make sure that you like the way the product comes or else it will just collect dust. They work best when you commit to using them daily. Companies that offer several versions of products are handy.
- How can I save money? Look for a system of products that cover your basic nutritional needs instead of purchasing lots of individual ingredients. You end up spending more in the long run by purchasing lots of cheap products with individual ingredients (and taking a lot more pills) than if you choose to use a multi-product that contains several ingredients. Also, products with multiple ingredients are designed to work synergistically together so that the overall effect is better than the effect of taking them separately. Another way to save is to find out which companies allow you to purchase at the wholesale pricing.
- What ages can benefit? Make sure you understand which products are designed for children since their nutritional needs can be quite different from adults. Most products are designed for those over 140 pounds, so teens in that weight category can often consume adult versions.
- How much is my wellness worth? Choosing a supplement just because it is cheap is asking for trouble. Cheap products usually contain synthetic or artificial ingredients and fillers. There are a lot of cheap products on the internet, and it’s hard to know if you are buying from a reputable source. Of course there are a lot of overpriced products in the marketplace too. High price doesn’t always mean high quality. So, what should you look for?
- Look for products that come from a reputable company, which puts an emphasis on quality control.
- Next, look for products that are based on FOOD…. Not something that was created in a test tube.
- High quality supplements, based on real food will cost a little more, but your health is worth it!
- Congratulations on your decision to be proactive with your wellness plan!
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