Supplements 101: SOMA VT Coach Sam Shares Some Thoughts
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Disclaimer: The staff and writers at SOMA VT are not medical doctors and recommend that anyone interested in supplements speak to their care team prior to trying any supplement.
First thing first: no, supplements are not drugs, they are SUPPLEMENTS. They are meant to supplement your diet and not fully replace anything. Sure, there are outstanding circumstances in which you may need to replace something in your diet, but supplements should generally be used as a means to aid in your overall health.
There are so many products bearing in the “supplement” category and they can vary from vitamins, to different types of protein, to products labeled to assist in muscle growth or body fat percentage loss/gain. And we always recommend clients check in with their medical doctors because supplements are not generally under the FDA’s jurisdiction. This is not meant to scare anyone away from them, but a nudge to check in with people who know your medical, prescription, and nutritional history to ensure the supplements you are interested in are good for you as an individual.
Now, back in high school, I would take any product or supplement that was labeled “Muscle Growth,” “Mass Builder,” “Thermogenic Formula,” or “Maximize Your Workout.” Something can be said for science-based formulas, but I think there may come a point where TOO MUCH science has gone into something, and marketing ideas take over. We are overstimulated by marketing and since supplements don’t need to go through the same process as other medications, their marketing can take on a life of its own.
If you have a certain goal, like I did in high school, the questions you should ask are: “what do I need to supplement my diet?”, “If I take this, will I be overdoing it?”, “Why should I take this?”
We are all looking for things that make our lives easier. Life is busy, and supplements are easy. Breakfast smoothies are a classic way to make the mornings easier and to supplement your diet. Just wake up and pop a bunch of frozen shit into a blender with your preferred protein powder and BOOM, protein for the morning. It’s a win-win for those with busy AMs.
Since we are based in Vermont, my favorite supplement is Vitamin D. In the winter, that specific vitamin is very few and far between since it is cold outside and even on the sunny days, most of us are inside. Out of the body's necessary vitamins, vitamins provided by the sun are particularly important. In my mind, that is why I take Vitamin D supplements in the winter.
Supplements can be a vital part of your everyday routine. Especially if you are an active person, by adding supplements, you can be sure you are getting what your body needs. The other question we get most often is “what supplements should I be taking?”
As stated above, I am not a doctor, nor am I a Registered Dietician (but SOMA VT does have one on staff), I can only make recommendations and provide information.
One of my focuses at SOMA VT and passions is weightlifting, and Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s) are very popular in the weightlifting community. That does not mean however that other folks with different fitness interests can’t take them. The general goal is muscle growth and strength and BCAA’s can help in the recovery between workouts. BCAA’s aren't a magic substance, they won’t make someone gain 30lbs of muscle in a week, but they have a purpose in certain situations and help supplement an individual's diet.
As we age, and progress in training, our bodies may require more of certain things. Supplementing our diet with, well, supplements, can certainly aid in achieving dietary requirements. Certain products and minerals are better for certain organs, regulatory needs, and overall functions. For example, B vitamins play a vital role in cell health, brain health, and overall nerve functions. Who wouldn’t want that?
Now one of the big questions: How do you know if you need to take vitamins? Simple answer: ask. I know we may not all see our primary care doctors as often as we should, but asking about what vitamins or supplements we should be taking is a good place to start.
Another step to take on your own, is log your diet for 1-2 weeks. Take a look at your log and see what you may be missing. Not eating enough veggies, protein, fruits, good fats, etc. and wanting to get more of the things you need can be a good way to start a conversation with a nutritionist, registered dietician, or your doctor and see what supplements you can add or how else you can alter your diet to accommodate your lifestyle and dietary restrictions.
Logging your diet and digging into what ALL OF YOUR FOODS bring to the table (literally) could be pretty fun. Well, fun for me, but probably does not sound fun for you.
If you have any questions about supplements and how they can aid in your fitness goals, please reach out to the staff at SOMA VT. We recommend and sell Klean Athlete supplements on our website for pick up on-site at our South Burlington, VT location.
