Supplements: Can and Should You Take Them Long Term

Supplements. They can do us wonders.

Maybe it’s better sleep, less pain, lower blood pressure, or balanced hormones. Maybe it’s more energy, smoother bowel movements, or improved cardiovascular health. Maybe it’s even losing weight and having clearer skin. Whatever it is, supplements can be the natural way to help heal the underlying causes of our issues.

But how do you know when it’s time to stop taking them? Or, is it ever?

One of the most common questions we receive is:

Do I need to take supplements long term?

This is a great question and one we want to discuss further!

Herbal and nutrient supplements can be a powerful tool for our body’s healing process. These natural options to synthetically made pharmaceutical drugs may not be an overnight fix, but can be a long term healing cure if taken correctly.

So, do you wonder if you need to take supplements long term? Well…the answer is yes AND no!
The goal is always to never need any supplements, but the reality is that in our western culture, you will more than likely need supplemental support.

Let’s talk further…

What’s your typical day like? Do you eat a perfectly balanced diet – always? Are you getting in just the right amount of exercise and have plenty of time to sleep? Oh, and do you never encounter any stress?
 
That’s right – it’s nearly impossible.

This means that our bodies are constantly warding off toxins, fighting stress hormones, and trying to recuperate as fast as they can. It’s simply normal in our culture these days.

In Chinese culture, taking herbs and supplements daily is traditional and common. In Europe, herbal medicine is part of many cultures and is not seen as too foreign of a concept. So the idea of taking supplements daily is not unheard of in many other places around the world. Here in the United States, we hear about the dangers of taking pharmaceutical drugs long term and we can worry the same about natural supplements.

The bottom line is that unless we are living in nature with an impeccable diet, exercise routine, and virtually no stress whatsoever, we are probably going to need some supplemental support to stay healthy.

So in regards to our overall health and wellbeing in today’s society – YES, you may need some supplements long term.

This can especially be a good idea for those who deal with daily stress and anxiety, hormone imbalances, and long term illness or disease (think adrenal support, immunity enhancement, and hormone balancing).

So when is it not a good idea to take supplements long term?

Simply…when supplements are being used as a bandaid instead of support and no additional action is taking place to heal the body’s root cause of an illness.

Herbs and supplements work with the body to support it – they can help slow the disease process and get it back to functioning properly. However, when the root cause of a disease is not discovered and supplements are being used just to treat symptoms and not the underlying issue, then long term supplementation use may not be best.

Supplements, in conjunction with other holistic services such as acupuncture, massage, counseling, traditional medicine, and nutritional programs, can be significant support in healing the root cause of an issue.

Our advice?

Use your health issues as a positive aspect of your life. We know – that’s not easy. But if you use the challenge to help transform your life, supplements can help support you along the way. This can sometimes be a long process – even over a lifetime for some people. But as long as the underlying issue is being taken care of and worked on, supplements can be just the help needed to make positive changes in life.

Do you have kids? A career? Are you missing lots of time to destress and relax?!

Do you think a little support could go a long way in creating a healthier lifestyle?

If you are finding that you would like to calm your daily life and get back to a more peaceful, healthy way of living through supplemental use, contact Dr. Graves for a complimentary 15 minute consultation.

 

During this call, you can discuss your questions on supplements, which ones you may be taking, and how Dr. Graves can help guide you to your best life.

If you live in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Parker, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Monument, Larkspur, or Colorado Springs, please contact us now.