How to Get the Most Bang for your Buck: Choosing the Right Supplements for Optimal Health
Written by Andrea Maxim, Naturopathic Doctor
To watch an informative video on the Top 8 Supplements to take and how to choose the ones of best quality and absorption, please watch below:
Supplements: Let’s Talk Absorption
It is not hard for companies to make a nutritional supplement and many are doing so with the bottom line in mind. Be weary of the form the supplement comes in as many are in a form that cannot break down or the amount on the label doesn’t correspond with what our body actually absorbs.
12 SIMPLE SNACKS RECIPES BELOW
Rule of thumb (Highest Absorption to lowest): Liquid > Powder > Capsule > Tablet
Supplements: Let’s Talk Fillers and Additives
Many companies will make supplements that have a number of different binders and fillers in them to keep the tablet well formed or improve the flavour and colour. Always avoid products with the following ingredients (usually listed in “Non-Medicinal Ingredients”):
- FD&C food dyes
- Artificial colouring
- Silicon Dioxide
- Hydrogenated oil
- Sodium silicate
- Acesulfame potassium
- Titanium Dioxide
Supplements: Let’s Talk Quality
As mentioned, it is actually very easy to put together raw ingredients, slap a label on a bottle and sell it as a nutritional supplement. Very few companies will go the extra mile and ensure safety, quality and effectiveness. Companies that have been approved by Health Canada will receive an NPN # (Natural Product Number) which approves that product for guaranteed safety to the consumer. Other companies will prove third-party testing of the product and/or will have the designation of cGMP Certified or Triple cGMP Certified.
If the supplement company is willing to complete the proper paperwork to create a safe product, most likely that product is going to be more effective and offer you relief faster than a cheap, “no name” brand.
Remember: Your Health is Worth the Investment!
I strongly recommend you check out my Top 6 Supplements You’re Taking Wrong video series by CLICKING HERE!
