The supplement minefield: Part 1

There is so much to say about so many supplements that it feels overwhelming. I have a 'supplement graveyard' in my cupboard — pills I've tried during TSW and didn't do anything for me, made symptoms worse or even created new problems. There's a bunch of lessons in there that I'd like to share, but I'm not sure where to start.

I guess the most important one is this: reduce your supplements to the absolute minimum. Unlike most blog posts will make you believe, every supplement has multiple effects on your body — wanted and unwanted. Your body is a balanced ecosystem and supplements can unintentionally throw you off balance and create new problems. You'll then feel like you'll have to fix these with new supplements, and it becomes an endless cycle. I've learned this the hard way.

The best way to assure your body is supplied with the right (amounts of) nutrients is by adopting a healthy and varied diet. Natural, whole foods contain balanced combinations of vitamins, minerals, fibres, fats, proteins and carbs. The way it is 'packaged' (e.g. as a vegetable rather than a capsule) also leads to much better absorption of these nutrients. I've been lured into believing I absolutely needed [x supplement] countless times this year while researching how to find relief from TSW and gut dysbiosis. While some of them were beneficial temporarily, most weren't. To illustrate my point: supplements I started taking during TSW significantly worsened the gut problems I've had for a long time. It's a hard lesson and a trap I'm still tempted to fall into.

With that being said, let's dive into the specifics. I've never been one to take a lot of supplements — I wasn't taking any before 2021 started — but this all changed when I was going through steroid withdrawal. I wanted to do what I could to feel better quicker, but probably ended up doing more damage than good.