Viral Supplements on Tik Tok Shop: 3 Reasons to Think Twice Before Buying
If your TikTok shop or Instagram feed is anything like mine, it’s filled with advertisements for supplements promising to give you lusher hair or better gut health.
Some of these supplements are great and may truly help you get better sleep or feel less anxious; however, before you press purchase, consider these three reasons why taking these viral supplements may not solve your health concerns.
1. You have an unknown or underlying issue.
Probiotic supplements are very commonly used following antibiotics to restore the appropriate gut flora.
However, there are probiotics on the market that promise to fix bloating. If you start taking this supplement but have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), you may make your bloating worse.
Key #1: If you take supplements they must be targeted to address the root cause.
2. Supplement interactions.
Supplements can interact with each other and medications you might also be taking.
In naturopathic medical school, we spend incredible amounts of time learning the safety profiles of each herb and supplement. Without fully understanding the ingredients and interactions of each product you are taking, you may be inadvertently creating problems.
Key #2: All supplements and medications must be assessed thoroughly for interactions and contraindications
3. Targeted dosing
For a supplement to be effective, it must be taken at what is called a therapeutic dose.
Likewise, some supplements need to be taken in split doses, with or without food, or at certain times of the day.
Many influencer or popular supplements simply don’t contain enough of the vitamin, mineral, or herb to make a difference meaning that you’re wasting your time and money taking them!
Key #3: To make a difference in your health concerns, you must be taking the correct dose at the right time.
Prioritize Your Well-being: Make Informed Choices
Remember, while TikTok and Instagram can be great for discovering new products, your health isn't a trend.
Supplements are often a valuable component of a wellness routine, alongside adequate movement, nutrition, and meaningful activities with friends and loved ones. However, it is incredibly important to approach supplements with a keen eye and awareness for safety and efficacy.
Do you have a cabinet full of supplements that you’re not sure about?
Let’s work together to figure out the right plan for you!
I offer supplement audit visits where we will assess the quality, safety, and efficacy of your supplements to get you sleeping better, stressing less, or working on whatever health concerns are bothering you at the moment! Schedule a supplement audit here.
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This post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please speak to your physician before implementing any changes related to your health.