Supplements for Health?
All the letters of the alphabet from A to Z. This wall of supplements is intimidating.
Every month, I face the same challenge: Standing in front of this wall and trying to decide what is best for my health and that of my parents. It's a tough task to visually navigate the sea of bright labels and bold claims, all vying for my attention and wallet. I can't help but wonder if I'm choosing wisely or just getting swept up in the latest health trends. The question lingers - what does my body really need?
This struggle highlights a larger issue in our quest for wellness— the reason it’s difficult to decide is because it feels like a guessing game. We are not making informed choices.
The burgeoning supplements industry is on track to hit a staggering $200 billion valuation by 2025. Amidst this growth, a National Geographic article uncovers some stark realities:
Supplements aren’t strictly regulated - 84% of them didn’t contain the ingredients claimed!
Not everyone should take them - even multi-vitamins
The body doesn’t break all vitamins down the same way
It’s possible to overdo it
Food is the best way to get nutrients
The article challenges the unchecked assumption that all supplements are beneficial or even necessary. My habit (and everyone else I know) in supplementing for health is based purely on blind faith. Being an unregulated industry, we place our trust in brands, buy what we think we need, and what the latest fad/ findings are. This makes me both curious and concern.
In Singapore, where I live, our healthcare primarily reacts to illness rather than prevents it. It's great at fixing us when we're sick, but doesn't do much to keep us from getting sick in the first place. Case in point: Trying to get a detailed check on my vitamin and mineral levels turned out to be a real challenge, involving multiple lab visits and a potentially hefty bill.
That's why I looked beyond our shores and found something inspiring in Thailand. Their hospitals have a proactive stance on health, focusing on prevention. Thanks to them, choosing supplements for my health is no longer guesswork. Instead, it's a precise decision made with the help of blood tests and the latest scientific studies.
Here is a core list of my daily supplements (with the occasional extra add-ons):
Vitamin D3 (2,000IU)
DHEA (50mg)
CoQ10 (100mg)
Glucosamine (1500mg)
D-Limonene (250mg)
Flaxseed Oil (2g)
Triple Strength Omega-3 Fish Oil (2250mg)
Cranberry powder (500mg)
Spirulina (1000mg)
NAD (600mg)
Nutrafol Hormone Support
Nutrafol Women
But it made me wonder, isn't there an easier way to do this?
Imagine a world where picking the right supplements isn't just guesswork. What if a simple blood test at home could tell us exactly what our body needs? Picture having a tele-consult with a doctor and then, within a few days, receive a personalized box of supplements, tailored just for you, delivered right to your home. This could be a game-changer in making personalising health care more accessible for everyone.
It's not just about living longer; it's about living better. Preventive health care promises just that—a life where each year is as good as it gets. And as someone deeply invested in this vision, I believe we can make this future a reality, one step at a time.
