Modern diets leave a lot of nutrients on the plate, causing many of us to reach for supplements. This is coupled with a lack of widespread education around the amount vitamins and minerals we actually need to maintain optimal physical health. Supplements must be taken correctly, consistently, and in balance with your body, its set-up, your lifestyle and other personal factors.

Getting all your nutrients straight from a pill is easy, but what are the risks of taking dietary supplements? A lack of education is the biggest issue. There are daily suggestions and maximum for every vitamin and mineral that varies from country to country. The problem is, they are hard to remember. There is however no denying the usage and convenience of food supplements. And – you can remove any fear of them being bad for you by doing your due diligence with research to learn exactly what and how much your body needs.

Natural food supplements, to compliment (not replace) a Mediterranean-centric diet.

When it comes to wellbeing, there are no quick fixes (although as a culture we’re led to believe otherwise). Supplements are just that, supplementary. In order to maintain good health it’s important to adopt a mix of strategies in your diets. When choosing which food supplements to take, make sure you pick products that are made with natural ingredients, backed by scientific research and offer proven health benefits that will make a difference. This can otherwise be a very expensive trial-and-error journey. Both your body and your wallet will thank you for doing your research first.

Unpack the ingredients list

To help you discern the integrity of a product, turn it around and look at the ingredients. Get into the habit of asking ‘why.’ Why will it give me more energy? Why does it contribute to a normal immune system? Why does it support bone and joint function? Why does it help tissue growth and repair? Give yourself extra time in the decision making, to answer these questions and find products that tick the box.

For instance, Xtend+, is made of carefully curated, natural ingredients with 145 EFSA-approval health benefits. 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans, derived from the cell walls of highly purified, proprietary strains of baker’s yeast, are proven to enhance the immune system.

Remember, more is neither merrier nor better when it comes to choosing supplements. The product should combine a healthy number of vitamins and minerals, sourced from the one product to avoid supplement overload. BalanceOil+ is a good example of a natural food supplement with 15 + EFSA-approved health benefits in one product!

How do you know if the supplement is tested and safe to use?

Beyond looking out for rigorously sourced, all-natural ingredients on the label, seek out supplements with extra stamps of approval, such as non-GMO, keto-friendly, and toxin-free. We all live on one planet and need to do our part for a sustainable future.

Get a dosage made for you and put the product to the test

The best approach is to choose natural food supplements that feel right for your body, and work with your body. Everybody’s different and the level that your body will absorb the supplement has a lot to do with individual factors such as your weight, your stomach acid, gene type and even certain allergies. Look at the recommended daily dosage on the package and pick one that includes a weight chart to guide you. Better yet: Choose a brand that also offers personalized blood tests to get proof in writing that the supplements are doing their job. Make sure to pick a test that is independently managed and based on an accurate and scientific analysis such as the Zinzino BalanceTest.

As you move into different stages of life, like pregnancy, your nutrient needs will change. Always listen to your body to make empowered decisions to support your physical health.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.