Myths and Misconceptions Around Supplements
Do supplements really work? Are they safe? Which ones are worth trying and which ones are a waste of money? If you’re into health and fitness, chances are good that these questions have run through your head many times.
Misconceptions around supplements answered
There are tons of myths and misconceptions around supplements, and it can be incredibly difficult to separate fact from fiction. It seems like everyone has a different opinion, from the mainstream media to your trainer at the gym.
Unfortunately, most of these opinions are based on misinformation and rumors, which only leads to more confusion. Thankfully, there is a lot of factual information out there, as long as you’re willing to do a little research.
So, what do the facts really say? Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths about popular supplements to see where they really stack up!
Separating Supplement Facts from Fiction
Myth # 1: I Don’t Need a Multivitamin Because I Eat a Healthy Diet
Although supplements can never take the place of eating a healthy diet, it’s very difficult to meet all of your nutritional needs through diet alone. Even with the best of intentions, we all have days where we don’t eat as well as we should.
Not only that, but your nutritional needs change quite a bit during intensive exercise, times of stress, when you’re not feeling well, and especially as you age. Adding a daily multivitamin supplement to your wellness routine is a simple way to fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet.
The Bottom Line: Multivitamins are like an insurance policy to ensure that all of your nutritional needs are met.
Myth #2: The Best Supplements Are Very Expensive
Don’t be misled by a high price tag! While it’s true that all supplements aren’t created equal, you should never purchase a supplement based solely on price.
Whenever possible, choose organic, non-GMO supplements. Avoid products that contain fillers and artificial flavors.
Conscientious companies like SmartyPants organic vitamin shop offer their products at affordable prices, but they also go the extra mile to have their supplements reviewed by an independent, third-party lab. This means you can be sure their labels are accurate, and the product is free of contaminants.
The Bottom Line: Look for products with a USP or ConsumerLab seal to ensure that they’ve been quality tested by a third party. Don’t base your purchasing decisions on price.
Myth #3: Supplements Can Help You Lose Weight or Build Muscle Even If You Don’t Workout
There is no doubt that supplements can boost your immune system and support your overall health. However, they are not magic pills that can help you lose weight or build muscle without making healthy lifestyle changes.
Supplements are a tool that can give you more energy and build your endurance so you can work out harder. But you still need to get plenty of exercises and eat a healthy diet if you want to maintain a healthy weight and build muscle.
The Bottom Line: Supplements cannot replace exercise or eating a healthy diet.
Myth #4: Creatine Isn’t a Safe Supplement
Creatine is a very popular supplement for athletes and bodybuilders, and many people equate it with steroid use because it gives such dramatic results. In fact, creatine is nothing like anabolic steroids, which can have dangerous side effects.
Creatine is actually a natural substance that’s already found in the human body. It supplies energy to your cells to boost your performance during a workout. It’s been extremely well researched, and it’s completely safe to use, as long as you don’t have an existing health condition.
In fact, supplementing with creatine can also reduce muscle cramps, strains, and other common workout injuries.
The Bottom Line: As long as you follow proper dosage directions and don’t have an existing health condition, creatine is a safe and useful supplement for athletes looking to boost their performance.
Myth #5: Supplements are Dangerous
The truth is, most supplements are made from natural ingredients that are normally found in the human diet and body. As long as you’re sticking to well-known supplements from reputable companies, supplements are one of the safer product categories on the market.
Of course, you should always follow proper dosing instructions… never megadose! And, if you have a health condition or any other concerns, talk to your health care professional before taking any supplements.
The Bottom Line: To ensure safety, choose well-known brands and follow proper dosing instructions.
Myth #6: Whey Protein Makes You Gain Weight
Unless you have certain health conditions, the only thing that will make you gain weight is eating too many calories without getting enough exercise.
Whey protein doesn’t make you gain weight. In fact, it actually contains important amino acids that your body needs. Protein also helps you recover faster after an intense workout and build more muscle (not fat).
In fact, research shows that whey protein leaves you feeling full longer. It can help you manage cravings and snacking in between meals, which means it actually supports your weight loss efforts.
The Bottom Line: Whey protein is a healthy and nutritious way to increase your protein intake. It can help you lose weight and build muscle.
Myth #7: We Don’t Need Additional Omega-3 Fatty Acids Because Our Bodies Produce Them
There’s a common misconception that our bodies can produce enough omega-3s to keep us healthy. In fact, our bodies are actually incapable of producing them at all.
Omega-3s are crucial for heart and brain health, and for reducing inflammation throughout the body. Although you can get omega-3s by eating fatty fish, most people don’t get nearly enough.
The Bottom Line: The only way to get essential omega-3s is by taking a supplement or eating fish and other foods that contain them.
Wrap-Up
It turns out that most supplements are completely safe, as long as you follow the proper dosage and purchase from a reputable company. They are an excellent tool for anyone who wants to improve their overall health in a natural way.
Don’t be afraid to do your own research and form your own opinions about which supplements are right for you!
