How Do I Decide What Supplements to Take When so Many Are Available?

I’m going to assume that you’re already taking a good multivitamin and the other core nutrients that I recommend everyone use, and instead need some guidance on how to choose the right supplement for a specific health problem.

That’s a tough question. For any condition, there are multiple supplement solutions, and it can take a bit of trial and error to discover which one is best for you. But as a general rule, there are a few factors you should take into account when deciding what supplements to take. These include your—

• Age
• Prescription medications
• Overall health status

Let’s take insomnia as an example. There are many sleep products on the market, but my top recommendations include melatonin, valerian root, and L-theanine. Which one should you take?

If you’re over age 50, you may do well on melatonin, a sleep-enhancing hormone that declines with age. If you have trouble falling asleep because of anxiety or a busy mind, I’d suggest L-theanine or valerian—both of which calm the mind and promote relaxation.

One last note—when you begin a supplement, make sure you take it long enough to know whether it will be effective. If it’s not, don’t give up. Determining what supplements to take isn’t an exact science.

More Advice From Dr. Whitaker

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• Go to the Nutritional Support Health Center