Should you supplement?

Supplement use is becoming more popular, with people looking for ways to improve their overall health and performance. However, not all supplements are created equal, and some may be harmful if taken incorrectly or at the wrong doses. Always make sure that you check with your doctor or qualified health professional before you start taking any new supplements or adding a new supplement to your routine. 

I believe in taking a food first approach when it comes to nourishing your body. However, in some instances you may not be able to eat a certain food group which may cause a deficiency in specific nutrients or you may want to use a supplement to help with energy, cognitive function or plug any nutrient gaps hat you may have. Furthermore, certain supplements may be beneficial for people with certain health conditions, such as those with heart disease, thyroid disease, coeliacs or even mental health and fatigue.

Are they a necessity?

For most people that are on a well balanced diet without any underlying conditions, supplementation is probably not essential however it can be beneficial in many ways. Depending on your goals, there are variety of different supplements on the market that can help with health, performance & vitality. If you eat in a way where 80% of your diet is natural, whole and unprocessed then you will most likely be consuming the required essential nutrients to function. However, if you are lacking some of the nutrients from food or want to increase health and performance, supplementation can be used to help achieve some of those goals.

Here is a list of my personal favourites;

Dose & Co Collagen Creamer - Salted Caramel. I love this collagen creamer and take it every day. I love to add this in my morning coffee, chai tea or smoothies. On the occasion, I also add this to baking, muffins, pancakes, loaves and cakes. Collagen has anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant & joint supporting properties. Consume with vitamin C to increase absorption. 

Nuzest Good Green Vitality - an all-in-one multi-nutrient formula which is quick and easy to take which provides complete nutritional support in one daily serve. This greens powder packs a huge punch and contains at least 75 ingredients. Its formula contains concentrated fruits, vegetables, berries, probiotics, greens, superfoods, enzymes and herbs to support inner health and aid digestion. Due to our whanau adopting a gluten free diet, we all take this supplement (our kids take kids good stuff) to help plug the nutritional deficiencies that may occur due to not being able to eat gluten containing whole-grains which are rich in b vitamins. However, this greens powder may also help with a demanding lifestyle. It provides your body with extra support from gut health to immunity, fighting the signs of ageing and stress relief, to a boost of energy and vitality. 

Nuzest Clean Lean Protein - Clean Lean Protein is an all-natural, ‘complete’ protein (containing all nine essential amino acids) with a nutritional profile on par with whey. Free from all common allergens (gluten, soy, dairy, egg and nuts), high in protein and low in fat, sugar and carbohydrates, it’s suitable for everybody. The patented isolation process even removes all traces of lectins and anti-nutrients from the peas, making it suitable for a Paleo diet. My faves are chocolate and vanilla! I add this protein into our baking, smoothies or I have with water whenever I need to boost my protein in a meal. Protein supplements are great if you struggle to meet your protein allotment in a day! Having the convenience of a shake is amazing! Getting adequate amounts of protein is essential for muscle growth, repair and recovery and helps keep you satiated. 

Omega 3 - Omega 3's sourced from fish or algae oil have higher amounts of DHA & EPA. Omega 3's are essential in a diet and are often lacking in a modern human diet. DHA & EPA provide many benefits such as reduced blood pressure, reduction of triglycerides, immune function, mood and cognitive function. Bearing in mind, if you consume fatty fish 2-3 x a week, fish oil supplementation is not necessary. However, if you do not consume a diet which is rich in omega 3 specifically DHA or EPA, a fish or algae oil (plant based) can be considered. Great brands that I use are nordic naturals or clinicians. These can be located in most local health stores or online stores. What I love about both these brands is they are high quality and tested for heavy metals and impurities. 

Supplementation may not be necessary if you eat a well balanced nutritious diet, however, in some instances it can be very beneficial if you have a demanding lifestyle, you have specific needs, goals or if you have a condition which may benefit from supplementation. As always please check with a health professional before you add any supplement to your daily routine. 

I (Jamie) and ryzn have recently partnered with Nuzest NZ! I have been using their products since 2011 and I am so excited about this partnership. Please click the link below and receive 15% off all nuzest products! This has been increased to 25% until the end of the month! 31/07/22. Use discount code ryzn at checkout!

If I could only pick one of their products, it would most definitely be the Good Green Vitality. 

https://www.nuzest.co.nz?sca_ref=2062990.db7fJDiQH1

Hope you have a beautiful day!

Keep ryzn,

JL