Do I Really Need Supplements?

A Integrative Medicine Perspective on What, When & Why

In a world of overflowing supplement aisles and wellness influencers, it’s hard to know: Do I

actually need supplements?

And if so, which ones are right for me?

At Way Integrative & Functional, I take a personalized, evidence-based approach to

supplementation because not everyone needs the same things, and more is not always

better.

⸻

Why Supplements Might Be Helpful

Even with a healthy diet, it can be hard to get everything your body needs especially if you’re dealing with:

• Chronic stress (which depletes key nutrients like magnesium and B-vitamins)

• Digestive issues (that impair absorption of iron, B12, and more)

• Chronic inflammation (which increases demand for antioxidants)

• Restricted diets (plant-based, low FODMAP, gluten-free, etc.)

• Genetic variants that affect nutrient pathways (like MTHFR)

  
  

Supplements can fill gaps, correct imbalances, and support healing. But they should always be used thoughtfully.

⸻

Not All Supplements Are Created Equal

One of the biggest concerns I see in practice is poor-quality supplements that:

• Don’t contain what they claim

• Include fillers, dyes, or allergens

• Are poorly absorbed or not bioavailable

  
  

That’s why I recommend only high-quality, third-party tested products and help patients

understand which forms and doses are actually beneficial for their needs.

⸻

How I Use Supplements in Practice

In my care plans, supplements are:

• Targeted – based on your labs, history, and symptoms

• Timed – matched to the phase of your healing journey

• Temporary – often used to correct, then reduce or rotate

We focus first on food, lifestyle, sleep, and stress... and then support with supplements when

truly helpful.

⸻

Should You Be Taking Something?

Some foundational nutrients I commonly use (with guidance) include:

• Magnesium (for sleep, stress, and muscle support)

• Omega-3s (for inflammation and brain health)

• Vitamin D (for immunity, hormones, and mood)

• Adaptogens (for adrenal and stress regulation)

• Probiotics (for gut health—but not one-size-fits-all!)

⸻

Final Thoughts

Supplements can be powerful tools but they’re not magic pills. The right ones, at the right

time, can help your body reset, rebalance, and heal. The wrong ones can waste money or

worse, cause harm.