Supplements Explained - Part 1
Why Supplements Matter Today
If you’ve ever thought, “Do I really need supplements? Can’t I just eat healthy?”—you’re not alone. I hear this question all the time, and I totally get it.
In a perfect world, our food would give us everything we need. But we’re not living in that perfect world, are we? Life is stressful and our food isn’t as nutritionally dense as it was before. Uggg.
Let’s talk about why supplements are more important today than ever before.
Modern Life = Modern Deficiencies
Once upon a time, our grandparents got all their nutrients from fresh, local food grown in nutrient-rich soil. But today? Our soil is depleted, processed foods dominate our diets, and even our so-called “healthy” options aren’t what they used to be. Add to that the constant hustle and bustle of modern life, and it’s no wonder our bodies are screaming for a little extra support.
Take magnesium, for example. Stress chews through magnesium like a kid with a bag of Halloween candy. And most of us are running on fumes. Craving chocolate all the time? That’s your body waving a big red flag saying, “Help! I’m running low!”
Or Vitamin D. It’s called the sunshine vitamin for a reason, but unless you’re spending hours outside every day without sunscreen, there’s a good chance you’re deficient. If you live north of central California, you don’t get enough sunlight year round for proper Vitamin D production. If your skin is darker, this is an even bigger deal.
And, Vitamin D affects everything from your immune system to your mood, so it’s a big deal when you’re not getting enough.
And let’s not forget Omega-3s. In the past, we got plenty of these anti-inflammatory nutrients from wild fish, grass-fed beef, and fresh dairy. But now? Farmed fish, grain-fed livestock, and modern farming practices have tipped the balance in favor of Omega-6s, leaving us in a constant state of inflammation.
It’s About Filling the Gaps, Not Replacing Food
Your body wants to get its nutrients from food, and that’s always the goal. But when life gets busy and the deck is stacked against us, supplements can help fill the gaps and bring your body back into balance. Think of them as a boost—not a replacement—for a healthy, whole-food diet.
Chronic Stress = Nutrient Thief
Whether it’s work deadlines, family responsibilities, or just keeping up with daily life, stress is a constant for most of us. And, stress doesn’t just exhaust you emotionally; it drains your body of key nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and Vitamin C. That’s why you can eat all the kale and quinoa in the world and still feel wiped out.
Supplements as a Modern Solution
I’m not saying that you need 20 pills a day or you need to jump on the latest Instagram trend. It’s about giving your body the specific tools it needs to thrive in today’s world. That might mean a Vitamin D supplement in the winter, magnesium to help with stress, or a probiotic to support your gut health. The key is being intentional and focusing on what you actually need—not what a flashy label tells you to buy.
Bridging the Gap Between Knowing and Doing
Now that we’ve talked about why supplements matter today, the next step is figuring out which ones are actually worth taking. Not all supplements are created equal, and you definitely don’t need a cupboard full of bottles to feel your best.
In Part 2, we’ll dive into the essential supplements that can make a real difference—without the overwhelm. Whether you’re looking to boost energy, support your immune system, or manage stress, I’ll help you cut through the noise and focus on what really works for your body. Let’s get into it!