Do I Need to Take Supplements?

Is your daily diet genuinely providing you with everything your body needs? In today's world of quick meals and processed foods, many fall short of getting all the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies require.

You're not alone if you're concerned about the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you could be missing. Board-certified provider Shamsah Amersi, MD, at her private practice in Santa Monica, California, often hears this question from patients: "Do I need to take supplements?"  

Keep reading as we explore the importance of supplements and how they can fill the nutritional gaps in your daily diet. 

Understanding the nutritional gap

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is the ideal way to obtain the nutrients your body needs. However, it can be challenging to eat a well-balanced diet every day for various reasons. 

Factors like busy schedules, dietary restrictions, or personal preferences might lead to a nutritional gap. This is the difference between the nutrients your body needs and what it receives from your daily food intake.

The nutritional gap can lead to several health concerns if not addressed, including issues such as:

• Weakened immune system.
• Fatigue and low energy
• Poor bone health.
• Digestive issues
• Cognitive decline
• Chronic health conditions

Identifying and addressing a nutritional gap isn’t just about preventing deficiencies. It’s also about optimizing your overall health and well-being. 

Supplements can play a key role in bridging this gap—especially when obtaining all necessary nutrients from food alone is difficult or impractical. 

By understanding your unique nutritional needs, you can choose whether supplements are right for you and which may be beneficial. Dr. Amersi can give you personalized insights and supplement recommendations customized to your needs.

Reasons to consider supplements

Supplements are an easy way to fill the nutritional gaps when your diet falls short. Here's a few reasons you might want to talk to Dr. Amersi about taking supplements:

Lack of nutrients in modern food

Thanks to modern farming techniques and food processing, some essential nutrients might be missing or present in lower amounts in the food we eat.

Dietary restrictions

Vegetarians, vegans, or people with food allergies can find it more challenging to get enough of specific nutrients, like vitamin B12, iron, or omega-3 fatty acids, from their diets.

Chronic health conditions or pregnancy

Certain medical conditions can lead to an increased need for more of certain nutrients. When you're expecting a baby, you also need more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for your and your baby's health. Supplements can give your body that extra boost.

Age-related needs

As we age, our bodies may require additional nutrients that might not be fulfilled through diet alone. Women, especially, may need extra vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium as they age.

Choosing the right supplements

Supplements aren't one-size-fits-all. What might benefit one person could be unnecessary or even harmful to another. It's crucial to approach supplements carefully, as over-supplementation can lead to toxicity or interfere with medications you might be taking. 

Here's a step-by-step way to think about choosing the right supplements for your needs:

Identify your needs first

Understand your dietary patterns, lifestyle, and medical conditions that require specific supplementation. Keep a food diary to identify any gaps. Recognizing that supplements are meant to complement, not replace, a healthy diet is essential. 

Talk to your healthcare provider

Dr. Amersi can help you understand your needs based on blood tests and dietary assessments. She focuses on a personalized and comprehensive approach to healthcare, working closely with you to help you achieve optimal health.

Select quality products

Not all supplements are created equal. Look for products with third-party verification, ensuring quality and purity. Dr. Amersi has selected some of the best supplements on the market to help protect and improve your health. 

Supplements can be a vital part of a well-balanced lifestyle, providing you with essential nutrients that might be challenging to obtain from food alone. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone at our Santa Monica, California, office to get started, or email us at info@amersimd.com.