The Trendy Supplements You Do and Don't Want
There are SO. MANY. supplements out there nowadays. Shakes, powders and pills are all across the market with rave reviews-begging for you to try them.
First and foremost, we’ll put it out there that you don‘t need supplements. Just as the name suggests, they should be a supplement to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
That being said, there are some supplements that are great and some that you don't need to spend your money on.
The No. 1 Trendy Supplement YOU WANT
COLLAGEN!
Collagen powders/supplements are all the rage right now--and for good reason: Collagen actually does a lot for your body. Most collagen supplements contain Type I and III (although some contain Type II as well...). Type I collagen is major when it comes to tendons, bones and your organs. This type is most recommended for hair, skin and nails. Type III can be found in reticular fibers (bone marrow). Collagen can help your skin elasticity, assist in nail and hair growth, keep bones and joints healthy, and is good for gut health. Collagen also contains protein and is virtually tasteless in a peptide format. The results from including collagen in your diet can be significant so if you're looking for a new supplement, give it a try!
(We recommend Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides and Zhou Nutrition Collagen Peptides)
The No. 2 Trendy Supplement YOU WANT
Tumeric/Curcumin
Tumeric is a golden spice that can really be worth its weight for your body. While generally used in cooking, tumeric/curcumin can be taken orally as a supplement and is way more powerful that way. Curcumin has very strong anti-inflammatory properties that can be similar to that of medicinal drugs. "It blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of your cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases" (Healthline). Curcumin is also an antioxidant, can boost your brain power and may aid in helping to prevent diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. As with any supplement, be sure to check side effects and warnings before consuming--Curcumin is not good for people with bleeding tendencies.
The No. 3 Trendy Supplement YOU WANT
Mushroom Coffee/Medicinal Mushrooms
Have you heard of mushroom coffee yet? Or simply medicinal mushrooms? Companies and craft coffee shops are bringing out the mushroom coffee for good reason: it's good for you. These mushroom based coffees are less bitter than regular coffee and also less caffeine. Instead, they contain a brain/body boosting combo of mushrooms including Cordyceps, Chaga, Lion’s mane, Reishi and turkey tail. The blend of mushrooms creates a smooth cup of coffee that has properties that may help prevent cancer, load you with antioxidants, boost your brain, prevent oxidative stress which can cause Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and cataracts among other things, aid your digestion and more. If you're not quite into the actual mushroom coffee, mushroom powders can be purchased on their own and be added to things (like your own regular coffee) to get the benefits without the whole blend.
We suggest: Four Sigmatic and OM Lions Mane Mushrooms
ADDITIONAL RUNNERS UP:
Activated Charcoal, High quality Fish Oil and Co-Q10
Now,
The No. 1 Trendy Supplement YOU DON'T NEED
FAT BURNERS
Fat burners are companies ways of trying to make money on something you don't need. Fat burners are generally a large dose of caffeine, green tea extracts and garcinia cambogia. Many of them will make you jittery and/or sweaty, among other side effects. Stick to exercise, focusing on resistance training, and a calorie deficit that matches your goals.
The No. 2 Trendy Supplement YOU DON'T NEED
DETOX TEAS/POWDERS/PILLS/JUICES
Liver detoxes are kind of an oxymoron. You liver is your natural detoxifier. If you have one, you don't need a detox. In all seriousness, some of these teas and other supplements can actually do more harm to your liver than good. They can cause liver failure, medication failure, issues with blood clotting and other things.
The No. 3 Trendy Supplement YOU DON'T NEED
EXOGENOUS KETONES
Exogenous Ketones are super popular right now as a method to help you burn fat fast and get into ketosis. Taking these ketones can help you get back into ketosis if you get out and put you deeper into the keto zone. If you're using the Keto diet as a method to lose weight and get healthier, skip the exogenous ketones and simply eat in a way that gets you into ketosis. You don't need to waste your hard earned money on something you can do on your own with some diligence.
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Before buying/trying any supplement, do your research on what may or may not work for you.
Check drug interactions, bleeding interactions and other common side effects of supplements.
What supplements do you take and like?
