Supplement Sunday - Why do I even write about dietary supplements?
This is something I have been thinking about for a while. When I first started my fellowship and was doing all the studying I had to do, I was learning so much. Though it was overwhelming!
I remember going to my favorite natural grocery store or pharmacy and just being wowed by the number of supplements out there. I thought, if I am having a hard time understanding all this with a medical degree and now a fellowship under my belt, how much harder it must be for most non-medical people. I know that even most physicians when handed the sack full of supplements that their patients are taking just groan. We learn very little in medical school about these!
I remembering shopping at Whole Foods or Drug Emporium and just people watching. I was always amazed at how much money people spent on supplements and other advertised dietary/wellness products!
I know I am being repetitive, but the first thing I wanted to emphasize that if we are not doing the big rocks, no supplement in the world is a "be all, do all." I learned so much about different supplements, but I even have to remind myself of the simple fact that the big rocks must come first. To remind you, these are:
1. Eating healthy and clean
2. Exercising and moving
3. Sleeping and resting
4. Handling stress
5. Forming relationships and connections with others
If you are doing those things, there are supplements that can... well... "supplement." Just remember the supplements are not the top priority.
I want people to understand. I want my patients and you to be educated and thoughtful about what you are taking and why. If you learn and are deliberate about what you take, then you are not blown by the wind of fads and what is cool at the moment. You live life, take care of yourself, and are the best you can be with the treasure of this magical body we were given.
I want everyone to be knowledgeable about each dietary supplement and intentional. There is a reason for taking each one, and it is just part of your health journey! So that is why I write about supplements!!!
All material gathered and researched through my amazing fellowship program, The Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine.
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