When it comes to shopping for supplements there are so many options that the experience can be majorly overwhelming. It’s easy to get confused about which supplements to take, when to take them, and how they work, so we spoke to nutritionist and HUM Nutrition’s education specialist, Gaby Vaca-Flores to get all the answers.
Where should you start when looking to add supplements into your routine?
It can be overwhelming to choose the right supplement routine for your needs. As a dietitian, I always recommend starting by writing down your top goals. Once you identify your goals, you can start to narrow down which specific supplements can help you meet those goals. For instance, if my top goal is to tackle bloating, I could then look for a digestive aid like HUM’s Flatter Me formula.
Are there any rules about how many supplements you should take at one time?
Most HUM supplements are designed to work well together. With that said, I think it’s easier to start your routine with about three supplements at a time. This way, you can get in the habit of taking your supplements daily. Plus, it makes it easier to identify your results once they roll in. Once you’re in good routine with your supplements, you can add more if you have other goals that you want to address.
How soon would you expect to see or feel results from taking supplements?
The timing of your results will vary depending on the type of supplements that you’re taking. For most supplements, especially for our skin-focused formulas, most people start feeling results after taking for four to six weeks.
What’s the best time of day to take supplements (and why)?
Taking your supplements correctly is important for getting the best results. The best time of day to take your supplements will depend on the type of supplement you’re taking.
For most supplements, timing won’t be as important as how you take your supplements. For instance, making sure that you’re taking them as directed (ie., with food or without food) will ensure the best results.
On the other hand, some supplements are only effective when taken at specific times of day such as probiotics which work best when taken without food, first thing in the morning or before bed.
How does stress and diet impact our skin/body?
Stress can have a big impact on the skin and body. During periods of prolonged stress, the body’s levels of the stress hormone cortisol can stay elevated. When cortisol levels stay elevated, it can have damaging effects on the mind and body. For example, it can have a negative effect on our mood, digestion, gut microbiome, and skin health.
What are the best essential/basic supplements to take?
Covering your nutrition bases is a good way to establish a well-rounded supplement routine. I recommend starting with a good probiotic to support gut health, a fish oil to promote heart, brain, and skin health, and lastly, a multivitamin to help fill in any potential nutrient gaps such as HUM Nutrition’s OMG! Omega the Great.
What are the best supplements for people who want to boost skin health?
Adding a pre+probiotic supplement to your skincare routine is one of the best ways to boost your skin’s health. Since your skin is an extension of your gut, the health of your gut can be reflected in your skin. This can show up as redness, inflammation, breakouts and dry patches. Correcting imbalances by starting with your gut, is one of the most powerful ways to support your health.
What are the best supplements for people with low mood/energy?
Low energy is something that many of us struggle with. I recommend our Uber Energy formula to help boost energy throughout the day. Uber Energy’s main energizing ingredients are ashwagandha and eleuthero root extracts in clinically-supported amounts. We also added adaptogenic herb panax ginseng root to help reduce mental fatigue.
What are the best supplements for hair health?
An effective supplement will contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, and traditionally-used ingredients that target hair health. Hair Sweet Hair has a unique combination of clinically researched nutrients for stronger, healthier hair including: biotin, b12, zinc, PABA (helps maintain hair color), folic acid (supports cell growth) and fo-ti (a root used in Chinese medicine for healthy hair).
What are the best supplements to help with bloating?
Bloating can occur after eating a meal that contains nutrients that are difficult for the body to digest. Adding a supplement that delivers a blend of digestive enzymes can help your body break down major nutrients and combat bloating. HUM Nutrition’s Flatter Me formula is made with a blend of 18 full spectrum digestive enzymes.
