The Hidden Assumption Behind the Supplement Boom

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Happy Friday, Friend!

Let’s talk about something we’ve all been tempted to do at one point or another:

✨ Pick up a supplement for something we might be struggling with… without knowing for sure if it’s a problem. Without talking to a trusted medical pro, getting blood work, or considering what else might be causing the issue. 

Whether it’s gut health, hormone balance, or brain fog, we’re constantly fed the message that if we’re feeling off, we should find the product to fix it. In fact, it’s often the other way around, where we’re informed about a product and then we start wondering if we need adaptogens.

And so often, we’re subconsciously told to simply trust that the product is helping, even if we have no evidence for it. Raise your hand if you’ve ever taken a supplement and been unsure if it’s helping the problem at all.

But here’s the thing. When we do that – especially without the support of a trusted medical provider – we’re acting on the assumption that our body can’t do it best. That recovery from a workout, brain fog, or fatigue are problems that are beyond its ability to heal. Ultimately, we’re acting on the belief that our bodies can’t be trusted.

🧠 What if your brain fog isn’t from a magnesium deficiency but from burnout? The solution might be to take time off, get an extra hour of sleep, or talk to someone about how hard it is to keep up with your obligations.

🌱 What if your low energy isn’t about needing a “hormone-balancing” powder but about skipping meals because of lingering diet culture? BTW, if you take synthetic hormones for any reason, this is an even more important sign that you need to talk to your doctor about your energy levels before reaching for a supplement.

💬 What if your digestion is impacted more by stress and trauma than your probiotic intake? What if there’s an underlying intolerance that your body is trying to signal to you?

The truth is, the body isn’t a simple machine with an on/off switch. It doesn’t always respond to quick fixes, and when it does, it can often be something free or more rewarding like a lifestyle adjustment, hot meal, or social gathering that relieves your symptoms. The body is a whole system shaped by thoughts, emotions, and your lived experience.

This is why medicine is so complex, and supplement marketing is so simple. One (ideally) takes the whole experience of having a body into consideration. The other is trying to sell you a product at a rate that isn’t even compatible with your body. Let’s remember that liver injuries are on the rise due to the supplement boom.

Before racing to fix something, slow down, put a hand on your chest, and ask:

Where do I feel discomfort in my body?

What is this discomfort trying to tell me about what I need or want?

What’s going on in my life right now? Has anything changed?

What am I telling myself about what I should be doing or feeling?

This doesn’t mean supplements are bad. When you know (through a medical exam) that something isn’t right, supplements can bring you back into balance. But they’re only as useful as the quality of the information behind them, and there aren’t many supplements that are meant to be taken forever.

Remember that your body has wisdom that’s developed over thousands of years. It remembers things you’ve moved through and what it’s protected you from. Let’s start respecting that intelligence by tapping into it. Stay curious, and ask yourself what your body might be trying to tell you.

With you in curiosity,
Dana