Taking supplements can be a powerful tool for optimizing your health, but many of us get health advice on social media or from friends, family, and maybe blogs like this.
The problem is that supplements are more than just a one-size-fits-all solution.
Our bodies are unique, and there are many factors that impact how different supplements will work. In fact, if you do start taking supplements without oversight from your clinician, you could do more harm than good.
Supplements are part of the larger plan.
Here at Nava Health, we take a highly personalized and data-driven approach to developing custom plans for our clients. All supplements we recommend are reviewed by our integrative team of practitioners and within the context of a comprehensive lab panel. We also monitor the quality of the supplements closely, from the ingredients to how they are stored, to ensure their efficacy.
How and when you take supplements matters. Not only does it matter for their effectiveness but also for your general experience.
Consistency with your supplement regimen can make or break the results.
Here, your integrative wellness team – Nava Health Senior Associate Medical Director, Dr. Angela DeRosa, a board-certified physician, and Nour Amri, a board-certified clinical nutritionist – offer their top tips to ensure you get the most out of your regimen:
- Regular Check-Ups & Personalized Plans: As mentioned earlier, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Regular appointments with your integrative team allow us to monitor your progress, analyze lab results, and adjust your supplement plan based on evolving needs.
- Planning for Success: We’ll work with you to understand your specific supplements, dosage, and optimal timing (with or without food). “Effective supplementation goes beyond just taking the supplement,” explains Dr. Angela DeRosa. “Your physician, clinical nutritionist, and the entire Nava Health team are going to work together to ensure you have the details needed to execute the recommendations accurately because your success is our success.”
- Making It Easy to Take Supplements: Struggling with pills? Don’t worry! “Swallowing pills can be a real hurdle for some folks, but there’s no need to be discouraged! As a clinical nutritionist, I see it all the time. The good news is that we can try plenty of tricks together. From finding the right pill format to using clever techniques, we can get you the nutrients you need without the struggle.” Nava Health Clinical Nutritionist, Nour Amri, CNS, LDN.
- Building Habits & Reminders: Consistency is key! We’ll help you integrate supplements into your daily routine. As a clinical nutritionist, one tip I use with my clients is habit stacking. For example, taking magnesium after brushing your teeth creates a memorable habit stack. We can also set phone reminders to ensure you never miss a dose.
Remember, supplements are just one piece of the puzzle. We’ll work with you to optimize your diet, lifestyle, and other factors for holistic well-being.
By following these steps and working with your integrative team, you can turn your supplement journey into a success story.
Dana is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) and a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). Her passion for health and wellness started at a very young age and grew stronger once she started working with patients professionally. Her passion for personalized nutrition and precision medicine eventually expanded to education and academia.
Dana’s clinical and research focus is on digestive health, neuroendocrine-immune health, natural hormone balancing, reproductive health, and fertility.